Investigations

SEX SECRETS AT THE COP SHOP MESA POLICE BALK AT RELEASING REPORT ON LATEST SCANDAL

ARIZONA'S OWN J. EDGAR HOOVER

RUBEN ORTEGA USED THE PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PURSUE HIS PERSONAL AGENDA-AND HIS POLITICAL FOES

FEDS PROBE SYMINGTON FIRMA GRAND JURY INVESTIGATES THE GOVERNOR'S DEVELOPMENT COMPANY AND ITS NUMEROUS FAILED REAL ESTATE DEALS

RUBEN ORTEGA USED THE PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PURSUE HIS PERSONAL AGENDA-AND HIS POLITICAL FOES

POLICE PROBE PLANNING PANEL

A VILLAGE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBER IS UNDER INVESTIGATION. HE ALSO HAPPENED TO OPPOSE A COUNCILMEMBER'S PET DEVELOPMENT.

Death of a Witness

Although a probable key witness dies in an alcohol-related accident, the feds still have a strong case against Governor Symington

Fife's History

It took years, and some luck, to unravel Symington's web of deceit

Burning Questions

Federal and local regulators return to BFI's medical-waste incinerator

Sin of a Preacher Man

New evidence in unsolved Phoenix murder leads to a Tacoma man of God

Jailhouse Blues

State prison guard investigated for sexual misconduct

Cowboys and Indians

Scottsdale PD officers charge onto the reservation, spark grand jury investigation

The Eternal Flame Part 2

Three decades ago, an unsolved murder case and arson fire scarred Lori Romaneck for life. Since 1993, she's been fighting a bureaucratic backdraft to set the record straight.

Chandler Police Seeking Charges on State Senator John Huppenthal

Three decades ago, an unsolved murder case and arson fire scarred Lori Romaneck for life. Since 1993, she's been fighting a bureaucratic backdraft to set the record straight.

Arizona Attorney General, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the other agencies who might have intervened with Mortgages Ltd.

Three decades ago, an unsolved murder case and arson fire scarred Lori Romaneck for life. Since 1993, she's been fighting a bureaucratic backdraft to set the record straight.

"Appearance of Evil" Requires Personal Sanctions Against County Attorney Andrew Thomas, Say County Supervisors

A conflict of interest between Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas and the county Board of Supervisors over the investigation of a planned court tower creates the "appearance of evil," a judge has ruled.  Judge Gary Donahoe The background: In the midst of a feud with the County Superv ... More >>

Enemies List

Arpaio haters, perceived and otherwise, beware! Looks like Joe's up to his old tricks

Polygamy Puzzle

Furor over mysterious memo masks difficulties in prosecuting illegal acts

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch

Family says teen was disoriented and suicidal three days before death at Boys Ranch

PROBE INTO UNION EXPANDSNLRB BROADENS INVESTIGATION OF US WEST DIRECT

Family says teen was disoriented and suicidal three days before death at Boys Ranch

Things Get Nasty in the Phoenix Police Department’s Homicide Bureau

Family says teen was disoriented and suicidal three days before death at Boys Ranch

Thank You, Karl Rove -- The Truth Behind DOJ's Renzi Leaks

Paul Charlton​Poor Paul Charlton.There's new news in the ongoing probe of the Bush adminstration's meddling with U.S. Attorneys, including the Phoenix-based Charlton, who was ultimately forced to resign by the very administration that appointed him. As the Republic's Dennis Wagner reported today, ... More >>

Time Bomb: A '70s Cop Killing Investigation Leads to a Chicago Law Professor Who Helped Launch Barack Obama's Political Career

Paul Charlton​Poor Paul Charlton.There's new news in the ongoing probe of the Bush adminstration's meddling with U.S. Attorneys, including the Phoenix-based Charlton, who was ultimately forced to resign by the very administration that appointed him. As the Republic's Dennis Wagner reported today, ... More >>

Arpaio Investigating Governor Jan Brewer, Source Says; Guv's Campaign Manager Also Under Scrutiny

Image: Ray Stern​Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's criminal investigation into potential misdeeds by county leaders includes Governor Jan Brewer, a source close to the investigation tells New Times.The source, who did not want to want to be identified, did not want to elaborate on the subject o ... More >>

Bomb Threat Clears Superior Court's East Wing; Rumor Mill Churning Over Possibility of Link to Sheriff

A phoned-in bomb threat this morning at the Maricopa County Superior Court had some folks wondering about a possible tie to negative news about Sheriff Joe Arpaio. An earlier bomb threat at the court last month followed the jailing of Adam Stoddard, the detention officer Sheriff Arpaio claimed ... More >>

David Hendershott's Depo: Kris Kobach Under Contract for $250-$300 Per Hour, Paid for by RICO Slush Fund

captured from video by HumanLeague002Chief Deputy Hendershott during his Feb 12 depo in MelendresThe local press' lead on the recent deposition of MCSO Chief Deputy David Hendershott in the federal racial-profiling lawsuit Melendres vs. Arpaio was Hendershott's contention that a vast lefty cons ... More >>

Doug Lingner to Resign from Housing Authority of Maricopa County

Doug Lingner will be leaving the Housing Authority of Maricopa County by Monday -- or else.​Doug Lingner, executive director of the Housing Authority of Maricopa County, will be resigning his position.Lingner, a former Phoenix City Councilman, was the subject of a New Times cover story just five w ... More >>

Cold Case Files: Phoenix Police Have Suspect in 15-Year-Old Murder Case

www.creativealleyproductions.com​The Phoenix Police Department announced today that it's won an indictment for a suspect in a murder/sexual assault that happened in 1994.Who doesn't love a good cold-case file.On October 21, 1994, 35-year-old Eric Harmon was found murdered and sexually assaul ... More >>

California Man Arrested in 1982 Murder of Woman Whose Head Was Found Floating Down Arizona Side of Colorado River

San Bernadino County Sheriff's Office Jimmy Joe Cox​After an eight-year cold case investigation, police in California think they've got the man responsible for murdering a woman nearly 30 years ago and putting her dismembered head in the Colorado River.Jimmy Joe Cox, now 71, was arrested ye ... More >>

Inmate Brawl in Kingman Leaves Eight Inmates Injured

www.robertstevenson.files.wordpress.com​There was a brawl involving inmates at the state prison in Kingman this afternoon and that's about as much as state prison officials wanna say about it.The fight, which started just before 1 p.m., lasted about 45 minutes and led to eight inmates being taken ... More >>

Kiddy Porn Distribution Lands Tucson Man in Prison for 15 Years

www.icanhazcheezburger.comKitty porn probably won't get you 15 years in prison. Kiddy porn, on the other hand, might.​A Tucson man learned his fate yesterday after being convicted of transporting and possessing child pornography.Kevin Deawne Martin, 40, of Tucson, was sentenced to 15 years in pris ... More >>

Law Firm Representing Lisa Aubuchon Bills County $177, 876 in Four Months, Repub Reports

Dennis Wilenchik​ The law firm representing Lisa Aubuchon in the probe of actions by her and her former boss, Andrew Thomas, billed the county $177,876 in four months, the Arizona Republic reports this morning. After reporters Michael Kiefer (formerly of New Times fame) and Yvonne Wingett publ ... More >>

Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu Goes on the Defensive in a Desperate Attempt to Save His and Deputy Louie Puroll's Reputations

Dennis Wilenchik​ The law firm representing Lisa Aubuchon in the probe of actions by her and her former boss, Andrew Thomas, billed the county $177,876 in four months, the Arizona Republic reports this morning. After reporters Michael Kiefer (formerly of New Times fame) and Yvonne Wingett publ ... More >>

The ATF Agent Who Put the Mahon Brothers in the Hoosegow; Plus, Why the MCSO Has Something Else to Worry About

Dennis Wilenchik​ The law firm representing Lisa Aubuchon in the probe of actions by her and her former boss, Andrew Thomas, billed the county $177,876 in four months, the Arizona Republic reports this morning. After reporters Michael Kiefer (formerly of New Times fame) and Yvonne Wingett publ ... More >>

Gabrielle Giffords Shooting Update: Congresswoman Able to Communicate With Doctors; Second Suspect Sought

Pima County Sheriff's Office Authorities are looking for this man, who they say is a "person of interest" in yesterday's shooting rampage in Tucson.​Doctors treating Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords following yesterday's shooting rampage in Tucson that left six people dead and several injur ... More >>

DNA Match From 2004 Chandler Rape Nets Orange County Transient, Santos Basilio O'Dell

​ A California man forced to give up some DNA after violating a protective order last year revealed a dark secret, prosecutors say: He's responsible for a 2004 rape and robbery in Chandler. Santos Basilio O'Dell, 32, was ordered to stop harassing his wife in 2009, and he violated that order i ... More >>

Munnell Memo Investigation Report by Pinal Sheriff Paul Babeu is Overdue

Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu is still working on the investigation into allegations raised in the "Munnell Memo."​ While chatting with Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu today about border issues, we asked about his months-long investigation into allegations by Maricopa County deputy chief Fra ... More >>

Arizona AG Tom Horne Turns Part of Fiesta Bowl Investigation Over to Maricopa County Attorney's Office; Admits Some Conflict of Interest

James King If you contributed to Attorney General Tom Horne's campaign, he has no problem prosecuting you if you break the law -- he says.​Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne announced today that he's turning over some of the investigation into the Fiesta Bowl fiasco to the Maricopa Cou ... More >>

David Hendershott Used Position for Financial Gain, Lied to Sheriff Arpaio and Mismanaged Anti-Corruption Unit, Report Concludes

  Dave Hendershott​From what we've seen so far today, the investigative report on allegations against Dave Hendershott, Sheriff Joe Arpaio's former chief deputy, can be summed up with a cliche: Hendershott lied, cheated, and stole. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office ... More >>

Joe Arpaio Deputy Accused of Human Smuggling Served on Anti-Human-Smuggling Task Force; Detention Officer Pregnant With Cartel "Kingpin's" Baby

MCSO Sylvia Najera (L), Marcella Hernandez (C), Alfredo Navarette (R) ​The arrests of three Maricopa County Sheriff's  deputies is even juicier than imagined. One, a detention officer, is the baby-mama of a cartel "kingpin" and another is a former member of the sheriff's anti-huma ... More >>

Drug Cartel Infiltration of MCSO: Four of Seven Officers Cleared of Criminal Wrongdoing; Face Internal Investigation

Four employees have been cleared, but drug cartels have still infiltrated the office of America's self-proclaimed "toughest sheriff."​Four of the seven Maricopa County Sheriff's Office employees suspected of having ties to a drug-and human-smuggling operation have been cleared of any criminal cond ... More >>

MCSO Infiltration by Mexican Drug Cartel Apparently a Touchy Subject for Joe Arpaio

Kholood Eid This is the face Joe Arpaio makes when you ask him about Mexican drug cartels infiltrating his office.​Don't mention how the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office was infiltrated by a Mexican drug cartel to Sheriff Joe Arpaio -- unless, of course, you want to watch him hijack a press ... More >>

Morning Poll: Should Law Enforcement Agencies Be Comfortable Working With Joe Arpaio?

Even a janitor at a slime factory would be cautious when joining forces with Joe Arpaio.​Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio took great offense yesterday to our asking other heads of local law enforcement agencies whether they feel comfortable working with America's self-proclaimed "toughest sherif ... More >>

Joel Fox Portion of Babeu Report to Remain Under Wraps Until Disciplinary Process Complete, Judge Rules

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office can keep large portions of the Babeu report hidden until Captain Joel Fox's disciplinary process is complete, a judge told the Arizona Republic and Channel 12 News (KPNX) today.The newspaper and TV station had sued the MCSO to force an immediate and complete disc ... More >>

Joe Arpaio Birther Posse Probes President Obama's Birth Certificate

Obama ain't getting anything past master-sleuth Sheriff Joe and his crack team of birther probersIn a bizarre new stab at courting conspiracy nuts who believe President Barack Obama is a Kenyan, Sheriff Joe Arpaio has empowered a "birther posse" to look into claims by wackadoodles such as World Net ... More >>

MCSO Claims it's Investigating Employer in Days Inn Illegal Immigrant Roundup

MCSO's August raid of a Phoenix Days Inn has now netted precisely two arrests.​The overall ineffectiveness of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's illegal immigrant roundups aside, one of our biggest criticisms recently has been that they're conducted under the guise of "employer sanctions" operat ... More >>

Suspected Kid-Diddler Found Dead in Pool. Cops Think Suicide

​Phoenix police found the body of a man in the bottom of his pool last night who just happened to be a suspected kid-diddler.Phoenix Sergeant Steve Martos tells New Times that detectives went to the Phoenix home of 58-year-old James Ziarnick about 9 p.m. yesterday to talk to him about an investiga ... More >>

Full Munnell Memo Investigation Report Must be Released by Sheriff Arpaio's Office Within Two Weeks, Judge Orders

Joel Fox​The entire report from this year's high-profile investigation into abuses under Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio must be released within two weeks, a judge has ordered.In May, Arpaio's office released about two-thirds of a report and supplemental documents from an internal investigation ... More >>

Jerice Hunter Attorney: Timing of Hunter's Arrest "Real Fishy;" Says Community's Heart Should Be With Hunter

www.KPHO.comJerice Hunter's attorney, Scott Maasen.​As we reported yesterday, Jerice Hunter, the Glendale mom eyed in the disappearance of her missing 5-year-old daughter, Jhessye Shockley, has hired an attorney after getting thrown in jail -- and then released without charges being filed against ... More >>

Joe Arpaio's "Birther" Investigation in You Write the Caption

Your Caption Here​Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio may have blown it on 432 sex-crime investigations, but there's one "investigation" he's quite proud of: his "Cold Case Posse's" investigation into whether President Barack Obama's eligible to be president.In honor of the sheriff's (embarrassing) ... More >>