Arizona Judges and Officials Face Felony Charges
On December 10, 2009, Arizona Superior Court Judge Honorable Barbara Mundell filed a Petition for Special Action to Quash a Search Warrant or Stay its Execution. The petition was filed in response to the issuance of a search warrant authorizing the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to search her chambers and residence. An order staying the execution of the warrant was issued pending a status conference the following day.
At issue in this case are allegations of malfeasance by Judge Mundell and other Maricopa County Judges and officials as described in a Federal racketeering suit filed by County Attorney Andrew Thomas and County Sheriff Arpaio. The primary purpose of the warrant was to gain access to e-mails from Judge Mundell’s computers since that access was previously denied following a Public Records request.
Also named in the suit is presiding Superior Court Judge Gary Donahoe, who is accused of hindering prosecution, obstructing a criminal investigation and bribery. Judge Donahoe, who is rated as a “very good” or “superior” judge by his constituents, faced a grand jury indictment within 20 days of the filing absent a preliminary hearing to determine its necessity. See: AZ. App., Div. One, # CA-SA 09-0301, Dept. A.
Source: The Arizona Republic
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