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The state has ruled to disbar Andrew Thomas, former Maricopa County Attorney, and Lisa Aubuchon, former Deputy County Attorney, and suspecd Rachel Alexander, another former Deputy County Attorney, for six months.
article at The Arizona Republic
The actions that have brought them to this point, include a slew of misconduct against Thomas and Arpaio's political enemies, including filing a federal racketeering lawsuit for the period from 2006 to 2010, and only stopped when Thomas left the position to run for a higher one. Their unacceptable antics have cost Arizona taxpayers over $10,000,000.00, and are likely to cost a few million more as the state pays for settlements and the fees to handle their appeals, although the state says that at this point, it no longer has any duty to pay for representation for those involved.
Charges also include conspiring to file charges against those who were politically as well as filing charges intended to interfere with a hearing that would have been unfavorable to Thomas.
Some of the allegations were not included in the disbarment order, however, with some legal experts noting that it was likely to avoid any appearance of double jeopardy in case actual criminal charges were brought against any of those involved, as several of the incidents were criminal in nature, not just abusive of their respective powers. Those crimes would include perjury (a class 4 felony) and conspiracy, among others.
It is likely only a matter of time before this entire web of political intrigue masquerading as a vendetta against the corruption it actually fostered will come home to roost on Sheriff Joe Arpaio's doorstep as well. Much of the actions were at his behest and/or with his help.
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article at The Arizona Republic
The actions that have brought them to this point, include a slew of misconduct against Thomas and Arpaio's political enemies, including filing a federal racketeering lawsuit for the period from 2006 to 2010, and only stopped when Thomas left the position to run for a higher one. Their unacceptable antics have cost Arizona taxpayers over $10,000,000.00, and are likely to cost a few million more as the state pays for settlements and the fees to handle their appeals, although the state says that at this point, it no longer has any duty to pay for representation for those involved.
Charges also include conspiring to file charges against those who were politically as well as filing charges intended to interfere with a hearing that would have been unfavorable to Thomas.
Some of the allegations were not included in the disbarment order, however, with some legal experts noting that it was likely to avoid any appearance of double jeopardy in case actual criminal charges were brought against any of those involved, as several of the incidents were criminal in nature, not just abusive of their respective powers. Those crimes would include perjury (a class 4 felony) and conspiracy, among others.
It is likely only a matter of time before this entire web of political intrigue masquerading as a vendetta against the corruption it actually fostered will come home to roost on Sheriff Joe Arpaio's doorstep as well. Much of the actions were at his behest and/or with his help.
^-.-^