MARICOPA COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

Annual Report 2001
RICHARD M. ROMLEY
County Attorney

Mission Statement
Table of Contents
A Message from the County Attorney

1

Adoption Bureau

2

Check Enforcement Bureau

4

Community Action Bureau

6

Speakers Bureau

8

The Maricopa County Attorney is dedicated to the vigorous prosecution of
those who commit crimes within the county. As the chief advocate for the
State and the citizens of the community in criminal matters, the County

Victim Compensation Bureau

10

Attorney seeks to provide the highest quality service and maintain the

Victim Services Bureau

12

integrity of the criminal justice system. Criminals must be held accountable,
while assuring that the statutory rights and emotional needs of victims and

Biography for Richard M. Romley,
County Attorney

14

Previews

16

Office Statistics

18

Overview of the Maricopa County
Attorney’s Office

20

to excellence in local government by providing complete legal services to the

Maricopa County Crime Rate

20

county, its officers and political subdivisions.

More Information

inside back cover

witnesses are properly addressed. Additionally, the County Attorney seeks to
implement, promote and participate in programs that reduce crime and
enhance the quality of community life. The County Attorney also contributes

A M E S S A G E F R O M C O U N T Y AT T O R N E Y R I C K R O M L E Y

The terrorist attacks of September 11 and the

approached our service to the community with

year 2001 are indistinguishable in the minds of

renewed vigor.

Americans. We in Arizona grieved for our fellow

Although

our

outstanding

prosecution

Americans and looked for ways to help despite

record has earned us a national reputation, we

the 3,000-mile distance from the scene of the

remain committed to community programs and

atrocities. In our own back yard, acts of violence,

quality of life here in Maricopa County. This

masked as retaliation for the terrorist attacks, vic-

annual report highlights the community service

timized our neighbors because of skin color or

bureaus within the Maricopa County Attorney’s

ethnic origin. The national spotlight shone on

Office. The unwavering spirit and commitment of

Arizona and specifically my office, as we searched

the employees who work in these bureaus are

for a response to this local terrorism. We have

something of which we can all be proud.

acted swiftly by charging those responsible with
hate motivated crimes.
The war on terrorism caused me to reflect on
my own military service during the Vietnam era,

Sincerely,

Rick Romley
Richard M. Romley

while at the same time awaiting news about my
oldest son, a captain in the U.S. Marine Corp.,
who was stationed in Afghanistan. As a father, I
am proud my son has chosen a military career;
however, I couldn’t help but be anxious in anticipation of his safe return to American soil.
In the aftermath of September 11, employees
in the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office

1

ADOPTION

IS THE

ANSWER

By David Bash, Deputy County Attorney

As you walk out of the courtroom after an adop-

Another family that our office represented

tion, you realize that one moment is, for many,

involved the adoption of a Russian boy. This child

the culmination of years of effort to have a fam-

had in fact been previously adopted by a family

ily. Although most of

and was brought to the United States from

these families have wait-

Russia. After living in their household a short

ed

through

time, the family had second thoughts because of

numerous court processes

perceived behavioral problems. The child was

and volumes of paper-

then placed with the family that we came to rep-

work, they persevere, and

resent. This family provided a loving and secure

the ultimate reward is a

home, and the child not only thrived in this

child’s love. Even more heartwarming is the fact

atmosphere, but he did not show any of the

that many children adopted have special needs

behaviors that caused the original family to

requiring special parents.

return him to the adoption agency. The final

patiently

home study reflected all this and concluded with
During this past year, we represented a family
that decided to adopt a child after having sever-

the child telling the caseworker, “I live here
forever.”

al of their own. When they discovered that their
daughter-to-be lived in a foster home with her

These families highlight the special work done by

two sisters, they decided to adopt all three girls

the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Adoptions

so as not to separate them. Not only did they

Bureau. Being able to represent these prospective

make this commitment, they did so knowing that

parents is a very special opportunity for us. We

each child had her own special needs as each

not only have a positive impact on the communi-

was exposed to drugs and alcohol during their

ty at large, but also on some of its smallest and

mother’s pregnancy.

sweetest members.

2

Adoption Bureau . . .
The Spirit of Family
As criminal prosecutors, we deal

Through our service, prospec-

with violence and tragedy on a

tive adoptive parents need to pay

daily basis. Fortunately, communi-

only their court filing fee and adop-

ty-oriented programs such as our

tion agency fees. We hope that our

Adoption Bureau remind us of the

representation makes adoption

many giving, warmhearted people

more affordable, as there is no cost

who live in our community, willing

whatsoever for our service. The

to provide homes for children of all

smiles of a united family are pay-

backgrounds and ages. Prosecutors

ment enough.

in the Maricopa County Attorney’s
Office Adoption Bureau are privileged to represent adoptive parents
through the adoption process.
The Adoption Bureau prepares
legal paperwork for adoptive par-

Susan Foster, legal support specialist (left)
and Denise Brunton, paralegal, research a
pending uncontested adoption.

Maricopa County employees who work in the
Adoption Bureau love receiving photos, like the
one above, from the families they assist.

ents, files adoption petitions, and
represents the adoptive parents at
all court hearings. Last year, the

Adoption Bureau Number

bureau concluded approximately
300

uncontested

(480) 969-1551

adoptions,

2001 Statistics

including relative adoptions, pri-

Uncontested Adoptions
Completed in 2001 . . . . . . . . . . 270

vate adoptions, international adop-

Uncontested Adoption Cases
Opened in 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302

tions, DES adoptions and other
agency placements.
3

Check Enforcement Bureau . . .
The Spirit of Cooperation
The Check Enforcement Bureau

strates the seriousness of these

crimes. The bureau is self-support-

works

law

offenses.

ing through fees collected from the

Check Enforcement Bureau
Numbers

enforcement and our community

The

with

merchants,

Enforcement

bad check writer. By working

representing the victims of bad

Bureau is dedicated to working

closely with local businesses, the

(602) 372-7300
(602) 372-0014

check writers. Each year thousands

with victims in identifying bad

Check Enforcement Bureau thrives

of checks are issued that are

check crimes and quickly enforcing

in the spirit of cooperation.

2001 Statistics

invalid, resulting in huge losses to

full restitution for victims of these

1/1/01 to 12/7/01
17,226 checks entered into the system
with a total value of $3,631,000
$1,847,500 restitution total, of that total
merchants received $1,240,500

businesses

and

individuals.

Consumers ultimately pay for
losses through higher prices.
During 2001, the Check

$607,037 Check Enforcement Bureau
statutory fee to administer the
program

Enforcement Bureau processed

2,789 misdemeanor complaints filed for
921 different victims

The result was reimbursements to

990 guilty plea agreements were
processed for full restitution

Check

over 17,226 checks for restitution.
merchants and our community for
the losses caused by bad check
writers. Merchants received more
than $1.2 million in restitution in
2001 alone.
Arizona statutes allow for
felony prosecution in the most
egregious cases and also in the case
of repeat violations. The availability
of these criminal remedies demon4

Jennifer McCormick, legal support assistant and Valerie
Alspaugh, business manager, review a bad check case.

M O T I V AT I O N

FOR THE

CHECK ENFORCEMENT BUREAU

By Valerie Alspaugh, Check Enforcement Bureau Business Manager

We have numerous success stories and we receive

placed a call to the elderly victim and let him

wonderful notes from our individual victims and

know the funds were being forwarded and to

businesses. These notes of gratitude and heart

confirm an accurate address. Our elderly victim

warming stories keep us motivated on a regular

became very excited, repeatedly thanked her for

basis.

the good news, and broke down in tears. He said
his wife of many years had passed away just a few

Our favorite story is about an elderly gentleman
who submitted checks totaling $1,279 to Check
Enforcement that he had received from a young

months earlier and, until this telephone call, he
could not afford to buy a headstone for her
grave.

female. Check Enforcement filed a criminal complaint; however, the case sat for several years
with an outstanding warrant due to the defendant being incarcerated on unrelated charges.
When the bad check writer was released, she
made full restitution to Check Enforcement for
the outstanding checks. The restitution check we
mailed to our victim was sent back as the gentleman was no longer at the address in our files.
Staff diligently searched the victim’s name
though local telephone books and on the
Internet, finally locating his son with the same
name. The son provided his father’s telephone
number in another state, telling us how excited
he would be to find out the young woman had
finally paid her debt. Our Merchant Liaison
5

E M E R A L D PA R K – F R O M S L U M

TO

GEM

By Carolyn Murphy, Deputy County Attorney

The Emerald Park Apartment Complex, formerly

ment complex with crumbling walls now is a

the Canyon Square Apartments, was considered

clean, safe place to live. Governmental officials

one of the worst slum properties in Phoenix. With

have pledged that the area will remain crime-

a new name, new management and more than

free.

$1.8 million in improvements, the complex is now
considered the “crown jewel” of the neighbor-

Neighborhood residents Martha Garcia and Mary
Castillo can’t believe the transformation. Martha

hood.

Garcia had friends who lived in the complex
In August 1999, Canyon Square, located at 2454

before the transformation.

West Campbell, was named to the Slumlord Task
Force’s Dirty Dozen List as one of the 12 worst
rental properties in Phoenix. The complex was
named to the list after 100 inspectors from neighborhood

services,

environmental

services

(health), fire and water discovered crumbling
ceilings, electrical problems, staircases in disrepair
as well as roach infestation. As a result of the
inspection, the owners were cited for over 900
code violations.
The cleanup is the result of efforts by city and
county officials, firefighters and police officers
tackling the problem together. By joining forces,
a once crime-ridden, cockroach-infested apart-

6

“I’d see cockroaches everywhere and the walls
were falling apart. Now everything is so different. I would live there now,” said Garcia.
Neighborhood Services Coordinator Lisa Hubbard
said, “Emerald Park is the crown jewel of this
neighborhood. Because of what’s going on here,
other property owners and managers are interested in reinvesting in the area.”

Community Action Bureau . . .
The Spirit of Community
Our quality of life in Maricopa

working closely with other agen-

County is continually threatened.

cies and organizations.

CAB strives to go above and
beyond to help the community and

The famous copper-colored sunsets

One example of CAB’s work is

looks for creative ways to do so. In

Community Action Bureau
Number

are veiled by dust pollution.

the Slumlord Task Force. CAB

this bureau, the spirit of our

(602) 506-3411

Graffiti and slum properties mar

teams with the United States

Arizona community is never taken

the unique southwestern architec-

Attorney’s

for granted.

ture of the cityscape. Illegal dump-

Maricopa County Environmental

ing pollutes the desert, destroying

Services Department, the Phoenix

indigenous

Police

cacti.

Since

the

Office,

Department,

HUD,

and

the

Illegal Dumping
Hotline . . . . . . . . . . (602) 506-DUMP
(506-3867)
Graffiti Hotline . . . . . . (602) 262-7327
Slumlord Hotline . . . . . (602) 372-SLUM
(372-7586)

the

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office

Phoenix City Prosecutor’s Office to

Dust Complaint Line . . (602) 506-6616

established the Community Action

identify, deter and enforce against

2001 Statistics

Bureau, these threats are never

slum properties. Of the 32 proper-

ignored.

ties named on the Task Force’s

The

Community

Action

Bureau (CAB) is responsible for the

242 dust settlements completed collecting $644,176 in penalties

Dirty Dozen List

worst slums list, 21 have been

1911 East Van Buren

brought up to code.

prosecution of slumlords, graffiti

Other CAB accomplishments

vandals, dust violations and illegal

include establishing an anti-graffiti

dumping practices. What distin-

program, which helped reduce

1517 West Indian School Road
1525 West Indian School Road
29 East Riverside
2454 West Campbell Avenue
Graffiti results in millions of dollars of damage to Maricopa County homes and businesses each year.

6041 West Thomas Road

guishes CAB from traditional pros-

graffiti in Maricopa County by 70

ecution bureaus is that its four

percent; prosecuting over 200 dust

attorneys and staff take a proactive,

enforcement cases, thus reducing

2802 East Roosevelt

problem-solving

to

the County’s air pollution problem;

415 East Puget

issues.

and working with neighborhoods

address

approach

community

Frequently, this approach involves

6805 North 27th Avenue
3421 West Dunlap Avenue

3002 West Camelback Road
921/927 South 35th Avenue

on countless community issues.
7

Speakers Bureau . . .
The Spirit of Communication
Speakers Bureau Number
Speaker request line
(602) 506-7799

How do I protect myself from

to the community, the Speakers

associations on a variety of criminal

identity theft? How does the juve-

Bureau continues to provide basic,

justice topics such as organized

2001 Statistics

nile justice system work? What

useful information about the crim-

crime, constitutional law, identity

82 total speaking engagements

are the penalties for violating drug

inal justice process and its various

theft, sex crimes, drug laws and

136 speakers sent to events

laws? How does the County

community services to the public

victims’ rights.

Attorney’s Office decide which

free of charge. The bureau strives to

All our speakers volunteer

cases to prosecute?

keep the citizens of Maricopa

their time to improve communica-

These questions and many

County aware of public policy,

tion and open dialogue about the

more like them led to the creation

social issues, crime trends and the

criminal justice system with com-

of the Maricopa County Attorney’s

criminal justice system.

munity members. After 12 success-

Our experts speak on a variety of topics
including but not limited to:
Drugs • Gangs • Juvenile Crime
Constitutional Law • General Law
Career in the Legal Field • Rape
Sex Crimes • Domestic Violence
Child Abuse • Elderly Abuse
Felony Prosecution • White Collar Crime
Technology Crimes • Vandalism/Graffiti
Community Involvement/ Block Watch
Hate Crimes • Public Policy
• Legislation

County

ful years, our audiences leave with

The program is centered around

Attorney’s Office has more than

the knowledge to better protect

the belief that effective crime con-

300 Deputy County Attorneys and

themselves and the community

trol is dependent on a highly

law enforcement specialists avail-

from criminal activity.

informed and involved public.

able to speak to schools, civic

Celebrating its 12th year of service

organizations and professional

Office Speakers Bureau Program.

The

Maricopa

Call our Speakers Bureau request line to
request a speaker. Our staff will assist you in
selecting a topic.

8

Detective Joe Wolfer (above) describes the role
of the County Attorney’s Office in criminal
investigations. Deputy County Attorney Carolyn
Murphy (left) explains criminal abatement to a
neighborhood association group.

S P E A K E R S H AV E P O S I T I V E E F F E C T S
A NOTE OF THANKS

I am writing to let you know how
much our school benefited from the
expertise your office exhibited at
our “Estrella’s Expo for Excellence”
on January 19, 2001.
Your program coordinator worked
tirelessly to coordinate twenty-two
speakers who impacted our students
with knowledge, thought-provoking
insight, and an appreciation of our
justice system.
Our Expo hosted seventy-eight speakers in a wide variety of occupations
and crisis-intervention areas in
addition to media representatives
and many dignitaries.
Nine years ago, I hosted a similar
event and your employees attended
with a fantastic message for our
students.
Thanks to your staff, we have
received many accolades from the
parents and community for the positive effects these types of speakers
have on our youth.
Respectively yours,

Linda Carter
Estrella Middle School Counselor

ON

YOUTH

I am writing to relate how much my
Sociology of Crime class enjoyed
hearing Mr. Herb Kalish speak, when
he came to the ASU campus.
Mr. Kalish’s general topic was the
role of the prosecutor, and the
prosecutor’s office, within the
Maricopa County Superior Court system. It was clear from the outset he
is a polished public speaker. He was
at ease immediately with his audience and developed a rapport with
the students quickly. He had a lot
of bird’s-eye-view-of-the-system-type
information to present, as well as
some interesting anecdotes. The hour
went by all too quickly.
Mr. Kalish seems a natural in the
role of representing the County
Attorney’s Office generally, and in
the role of speaking to classes such
as mine specifically. I look forward
to any future presentations he may
be able to make to my sociology of
law and sociology of crime classes,
during the coming semester and/or
future semesters at ASU.
Sincerely,

Dr. Lisa Whitaker
Faculty Associate

9

A D V O C AT E C O M P E N S AT E D

FOR

ASSISTING VICTIM

By Phillip Dominguez, Victim Witness Advoate

My first days as a victim advocate in the Victims’

days where his pain and migraines are so severe

Compensation Bureau were spent studying my

that he is not able to eat, work, or do much of

new caseload. One victim who instantly stood out

anything.

was Duane. The notes attached to his file read,
“Make sure all avenues have been covered. See if
there is anything else we can do for the victim.” I
read the police report summary and found out
Duane suffered severe injuries after his car was
struck

by

an

intoxicated

driver.

Victim

Compensation had previously paid out just under
$10,000.00; the maximum payment was capped
at $10,000 at the time Duane’s initial compensation application was processed.
Upon further research, I discovered that the
Arizona Criminal Justice Commission would now
allow a victim to receive up to $20,000 in victim
compensation benefits. This meant Duane could
receive an additional $10,000. I submitted this
request to the Victim Compensation Board.

The next day Duane returned my call. I told him
the board was still reviewing the request, but
there was a good possibility he was eligible for an
additional $10,000 to compensate for his lost
wages. Duane incessantly expressed his gratitude
and insisted on picking up the check.
When Duane arrived at my office, I noticed he
was carrying a cushion. He explained, “Ever since
the accident, I have to carry it wherever I go. I
cannot sit or stand for an extended period of
time. I also need it when I drive.” The pain Duane
endured to personally accept the check, along
with the pain he suffered daily, impressed upon
me the importance of the Victim Compensation
Bureau. After I handed him the check, he said,
“You do not know what this means to my family.”

I called Duane to give him the news, and his wife
answered. I could hear Duane moaning in the
background. She explained that Duane has some

As I walked away, I knew the work I had done for
Duane had affected me more than he would ever
know.

10

Victim Compensation . . .
The Spirit of Compassion
Like a stone plunging into a pond,

Review Board. The board, consist-

Compensation Bureau awarded

crime causes a devastating ripple

ing of victim advocates and com-

more than $1,366,000 to crime

effect in the lives of crime victims.

munity members, can award up to

victims in Maricopa County.

Often, victims of crimes are left

$20,000 per victim based on need.

Victim advocates, who work in

The Arizona Criminal Justice

the Victim Compensation Bureau,

financially

devastated.

Each

Victim Compensation Number

unforeseen expense stemming from

Commission

the

have seen the human spirit prevail

the original crime leads to the

Victim Compensation Fund, paid

in the most tragic of circumstances.

revictimization of the victim. The

for by restitution payments made

Their compassion stops the nega-

Victim

Bureau

by defendants to the State of

tive ripple effect from spiraling out

assists crime victims whose needs

Arizona. In 2001, the Maricopa

of control, giving crime victims the

extend beyond the courtroom.

County Attorney’s Office Victim

opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Compensation

administers

The Victim Compensation

cial assistance to cover lost wages,

Average per
Applicant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,300.53
Funeral Expenditures . . . . . $275,901.25
Average per
Applicant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,172.45

Mental Health
Expenditures . . . . . . . . . . $71,507.46

medical expenses, counseling serv-

Average per
Applicant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $252.68

ices, and funeral expenses to victims of crime in Maricopa County.
Victims must fill out an application

incurred as a result of the crime. All

Lost Wage
Expenditures . . . . . . . . . $412,850.36

Average per
Applicant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,745.10

Services Division, provides finan-

ment of out-of-pocket expenses

2001 Statistics

Medical/Dental
Expenditures . . . . . . . . . $605,765.31

Bureau, housed within the Victim

to be considered for reimburse-

(602) 506-4955

Victim Advocate Rachel Robles consoles a
victim while he fills out the victim compensation forms.

A crime victim receives a check from the
Victims’ Compensation Fund to cover her
outstanding medical bills resulting from
the crime.

applications are reviewed monthly
by the Victim Compensation
11

Victim Services . . .
The Spirit of Support
The intensity of the courtroom can

victims during criminal proceed-

include crisis counseling referrals,

be overwhelming for a crime vic-

ings, the advocates ensure the vic-

social service referrals, emergency

tim. Exercising the victim’s right to

tims’ rights are not violated. The

food and shelter, criminal and

be to be present throughout all

Victims’ Bill of Rights, passed by

juvenile justice system advocacy

criminal proceedings in which the

Arizona voters in 1990, gives vic-

and victim compensation assis-

defendant has the right to be pres-

tims the right to be notified of all

tance and referral. These efforts

Victim Compensation Number

ent, often means the victim must

criminal or juvenile proceedings,

serve to make the victim “whole”

(602) 506-8522

relive aspects of the crime. The vic-

the right to refuse a defense inter-

again.

tim is also allowed to make an

view and the right to confer with

Arizona was the first state to

impact statement, reading a letter

the prosecutor about the disposi-

have a comprehensive constitu-

to the judge regarding the crime’s

tion of the criminal or juvenile

tional bill of rights for victims. The

impact on the victim and the vic-

offense, including the victim’s

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office

tim’s family — intimidating to say

views about plea or sentence nego-

stands firm in its belief that all

the least. Having a victim advocate

tiations.

crime victims must be treated with

After opening arguments, Victim Advocate
Shannon Maley comforts a victim’s next of kin, who
for the first time hears the details of the crime committed against her loved one.

2001 Statistics
Victims Served . . . . . . . . . . . .

30,032

Victims Rights Services
Administered . . . . . . . . . . . . 415,050

by your side through the entire
ordeal is a comforting thought.

Besides enabling victims to
exercise their constitutional and

Advocates provide more than

statutory rights, victim advocates

comfort. In addition to supporting

provide assistance services, which

Otis and Lori Smith, parents of Shannon Smith,
speak about the loss of their daughter at the April
2002 Victims’ Rights Rally. The Smiths were instrumental in the passage of Shannon’s Law, which
makes firing a gun randomly within the city limits
illegal.

Providing Pamphlets and other take
home materials allows crime victims
to fully understand their rights during
the criminal justice process.
12

fairness, dignity and respect by the
entire criminal justice system.

V I C T I M G R AT E F U L F O R A D V O C AT E ’ S A S S I S TA N C E
A NOTE OF THANKS

Words cannot describe our gratitude
for the support we received from
your Victim Advocate, Tom Haines.
His professional attitude, compassion and integrity gave us the
strength to persevere a grueling
four-year trial. Tom always
returned our calls promptly and
answered all our questions when we
needed help and was more than
happy to make a few phone calls
and get an answer to us. He is not
only a professional asset to your
office; to us, Tom was Godsend.
We would also like to thank Celia
Ortiz (who always has a smile in
her voice), Santiago Valdez, Mary
Lock and Melissa Monteal, who
attended and gave support to the
victim’s family.
Thank you just isn’t enough, but
we wanted you to know we will
always be grateful for your support.
Sincerely,

Natalie Benitez

I am writing this letter as a victim
of a home invasion that took place a
couple of years ago in Mesa, Arizona.
The intruder was captured thanks to
the Mesa Police Department.
The prints off my son’s squirt gun
matched up with other crimes the
defendant previously committed.
On May 23, Judge Cole sentenced the
defendant to a prison term of 42
years. What a joyous day that was,
knowing this predator would not prey
on anymore innocent people.
I feel a need to commend certain
individuals who made this all possible.
Elizabeth Frick, Deputy County
Attorney, was dynamic, professional and
willing to counsel my family throughout
this two-year ordeal. We couldn’t have
hired anyone better. She was always
well prepared. Elizabeth has given
me a more positive attitude about the
legal profession. She was there when
I needed her. She made my son feel
better about the ordeal.
Victim Advocate Kimberley Feleyn
counseled us, informed us concerning
hearings and was there at all the various times we were in the courtroom.
Kim also made it a point to listen to
our grievances and make our son feel
safe in the courtroom. This team of
individuals carried us through.
I hope you will recognize both
Elizabeth and Kim. Thank you and your
department for all your help… Justice
has indeed prevailed.
Sincerely,

The Bird Family
13

Richard M. Romley
Maricopa County Attorney
Nationally recognized as a

program was adopted as a national model by the

leader in criminal justice

President’s Drug Advisory Committee. He helped

issues, Rick Romley is in his

Arizona become one of the first states to pass a con-

fourth elected term as the

stitutional amendment guaranteeing rights to vic-

Maricopa County Attorney.

tims during the criminal justice process. He played a

He

for

leading role in rewriting Arizona’s Criminal Code,

administering one of the

which resulted in “Truth-in-Sentencing,” requiring

largest prosecuting attorney’s offices, serving the

convicted criminals to serve their full sentence. Rick

fourth most populated county in America. His com-

was a prominent figure in the drive to reform

prehensive understanding of criminal behavior and

Arizona’s juvenile justice system, and he has been a

his commitment to working towards solutions are

key sponsor of the Violence Prevention Initiative, an

the reasons Rick is often sought for counsel on

effort to develop a comprehensive, long-term strate-

important local and national issues. He has testified

gy to prevent violent crime. For these efforts, Rick

is

responsible

before the United States Congress on the issues of
violent crime, terrorism, drug trafficking, youth violence, public corruption and victims’ rights. His
opinions and commentaries, such as his essay,
“There Are No Civilized Crimes” (Wall Street Journal,
December 18, 1995), have been published in newspapers across the country.
Rick has championed many prosecution and
reform policies. In the early 1990s, he successfully
prosecuted “AzScam,” the largest public corruption
case in Arizona’s history. His anti-drug diversion
14

County Attorney Rick Romley talks with a fellow disabled veteran following the DAV Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year
ceremonies.

Armando C.
Albarran, National
Commander of the
Disabled American
Veterans, presents
Rick Romley with the
DAV Outstanding
Disabled Veteran of
the Year Award.

have three sons: Darin, David and Aaron. Rick, born
in Tucson in 1949, joined the United States Marine
Corps as a youth and served as a squad leader in
Vietnam until wounded. Rick received numerous

County Attorney Rick Romley is congratulated on his LIFE’s Presidential Unsung Hero Award
by LIFE Foundation Chairwoman Lois Pope, DAV
National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson and Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard B.
Myers.

(Above)

commendations, including the Purple Heart. In
2001, Rick received two additional distinguished
national awards for his service in defense of our
country: America’s Presidential Unsung Hero Award,
and the Outstanding Disabled American Veteran of

has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the National Leadership Award, presented in
Washington D.C. in 1997.

the Year Award.
Upon returning from Vietnam, Rick enrolled at
Arizona State University, graduating with honors in

While Rick is known as a dedicated and suc-

1974 with a Business Management degree. After

cessful prosecutor, he also believes in the need to

graduation, he owned and operated a retail business.

develop community-based policies that enhance

Five years later, he sold the business, enrolled in law

public safety. His strategy combines tough law

school at Arizona State University and received his

enforcement aimed at chronic offenders, and vigor-

Juris Doctorate in 1981. Since then, he has commit-

ous prevention efforts targeting our youth. And his

ted himself to a career in public service.

strategy is working. Citizens in Maricopa County are

Rick Romley takes pride in being an innovative,

seeing dramatic decreases in graffiti, reduced blight

aggressive prosecutor dedicated to improving the

and substandard living conditions, all resulting in a

quality of life for the citizens of Maricopa County.

Rick Romley shares his experiences in the Vietnam
War with the audience at the LIFE’s Presidential
Unsung Hero Award ceremony.

reduced crime rate.
County Attorney Rick Romley listens as his son
David talks about his Marine Division’s campaign in
Afghanistan.

Continuing a 100-year Arizona family tradition,
Rick and his wife, Carol, live in Scottsdale. They
15

Drug Free AZ. . .
The Spirit of Innovation
Drugs Destroy Dreams – You might

providers and drug prevention

links to hundreds of Internet

hear Arizona Diamondbacks player

agencies throughout Arizona. The

resources, including a list of sub-

Luis Gonzalez saying these words

foundation of the program is pre-

stance abuse treatment centers in

in television commercial. Or you

vention and one of its main tools is

Arizona, making this a one-stop

might see these words posted on a

drugfreeAZ.com.

shop.

mall kiosk. Statistics support this

By logging on to this compre-

The central focus of Drug Free

message, as a growing number of

hensive web site, parents can learn

AZ is to educate kids and parents

kids are experimenting with illegal

ways to talk to their children about

about the harmful effects of drugs

drugs. A Drug Abuse Warning

drugs and educate themselves

in an interactive fashion. However,

Network found that Arizona was

anyone can use this web site as a

one of the leading states in

resource tool. Teachers, mentors,

increased drug induced emergency

employers and employees are

room visits, up 9 percent from

encouraged to browse this web

8,293 in 1999 to 9,072 in 2000.

site. Drug abuse is not age-discrim-

These startling facts prompted

Drug Czar John Walters (far left) joins County Attorney
Romley in unveiling Maricopa County’s new drug prevention
program, Drug Free AZ.

inate — your

dreams

can

be

Maricopa County Attorney Rick

destroyed by drugs whether you’re

Romley to create Drug Free AZ

fourteen or forty.

with the goal of helping Arizonans

about the different types of drugs

work together with one purpose in

being used today. Teachers will find

mind ... to keep our kids drug free.

classroom packets, slide presenta-

Drug Free AZ is the product of

tions and suggestions for classroom

partnership

the

activities. Kids of all ages can even

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office,

learn to say no to drugs in 60 dif-

law enforcement, drug treatment

ferent ways. The site also features

a

16

between

Citizens Academy. . .
The Spirit of Innovation
You see a news report on television

ences, such as being a part of a

pants for each Academy session, to

about a court case. The video

mock incident review board, in

allow for a more personal experi-

footage shows a prosecutor from

which Academy members look at

ence. Participants can choose from

the Maricopa County Attorney’s

evidence from a mock case and

a three-hour morning agenda or a

Office presenting evidence in the

decide whether to proceed with

seven-hour agenda.

case. Where did the evidence come

prosecution. In addition, Academy

If you are interested in partici-

from? What was involved in inves-

members will see a fingerprint

pating in this exciting and inform-

tigating the case? How did the

demonstration and will have the

ative program, visit our web site at

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office

opportunity to use the Phoenix

www.maricopacountyattorney.org

decide whether or not to prosecute

Police Department’s FATS (Fire-

and download the application or

the case?

arms Training Simulator) machine.

call (602) 506-0727.

If you’ve ever asked these

Academy groups will be lim-

questions, you can discover the

ited to approximately eight partici-

answers firsthand by participating
Phoenix Police Crime Lab Latent Print Examiner
Robert Miller demonstrates how teeth and bone
matter fluoresce when illuminated by the Alternate
Light Source (ALS) machine.

in an innovative new program
debuting Spring 2002 that will
allow participants to get a view of
the Maricopa County Attorney’s
Office from the inside.
The Citizens Academy gives
Maricopa County citizens the
chance to be a prosecutor and
investigator for a day. The program
includes many “hands-on” experi17

Office Statistics . . .
Adult Filings
Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
Adult Cases Filed
FY 96/97 to FY 00/01

Adult Filings
FY 99/00 Compared to FY 00/01
Case Defendant Analysis

Filings
Offense Type

FY 99/00

FY 00/01

% Change

Homicide

185

127

–31.4%

Sexual Assault

111

94

–15.3%

Child Molestation

365

364

–0.3%

Robbery

691

703

1.7%

Vehicular Homicide

36

51

41.7%

Aggravated Assault

2,589

2,825

9.1%

Burglary

1,699

1,627

–4.2%

53

36

–32.1%

Vehicular Theft

1,401

1,536

9.6%

DUI

2,843

3,027

6.5%

936

878

–6.2%

11,085

9,863

–11.0%

4,836

5,186

7.2%

26,830

26,317

–1.9%

Arson

Theft
Drug Related
Other Offenses
Violent and Non-violent Crimes as defined by Part I, Uniform Crime Report

18

Total

Office Statistics . . .
Juvenile Filings
Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
Juvenile Filings
FY 99/00 Compared to FY 00/01

Juvenile Petitions Filed
FY 96/97 to FY 00/01

Case Defendant Analysis

Filings
Offense Type

FY 99/00

FY 00/01

% Change

Homicide

1

1

0.0%

Sexual Assault

4

8

100%

Child Molestation

75

84

–6.7%

Robbery

90

703

1.7%

Vehicular Homicide

0

0

0.0%

Aggravated Assault

595

532

–10.6%

Burglary

895

863

–3.6%

24

47

95.8%

656

655

–0.2%

40

43

7.5%

Theft

1,804

1,481

–17.9%

*Drug Related

1,406

1,580

12.4%

*Other Offenses

4,299

3,657

–14.9%

Total

9,889

9,017

–8.8%

Arson
Vehicular Theft
DUI

*U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Uniform Crime Report

Violent and Non-violent Crimes as defined by Part I, Uniform Crime Report

19

Maricopa County Crime Rate*
Overview of the Maricopa
County Attorney’s Office
• One of the largest prosecuting
attorney’s offices in the country.
• Staff of 912 including 264 prosecutors, 35 attorneys handling civil
matters, 81 paralegals, 55 crime
victim advocates, 46 detectives,
296 support and administrative
staff.

1998-2000
In the last three years, the number of reported crimes has increased consistent to the increase in
population in Maricopa County.
Since 1990, Maricopa County’s population has increased 9 percent, outpacing the State of Arizona
by 3 percent.
Overall
Maricopa County’s crime rate has increased 9.7 percent
Crime rate for the State of Arizona increased 4.8 percent
Violent Crime

• Eighty paralegal assistant volunteers and 37 victim services volunteers.

Maricopa County’s violent crime rate has increased 6.5 percent
Arizona’s violent crime rate has increased 2.5 percent

• Six locations throughout Maricopa
County including offices in downtown Phoenix and Mesa, juvenile
offices in West Phoenix and Mesa.

Maricopa County’s property crime rate has increased 10 percent
Property crime rate for Arizona increased 5 percent

Property Crime

*Source: Department of Public Safety (DPS) “Crime in Arizona,” 1998, 1999, 2000
Crime rates are reported per 100,000 people

20

For More Information . . .

Specific Information on
Programs of Interest

To contact the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, please use the following numbers:

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
Downtown (Main Number) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (602) 506-3411
301 W. Jefferson Street • Phoenix, AZ 85003

Kids in Court
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . (602) 506-8522
Media Relations . . . . . . . . (602) 506-3411
Speakers Bureau

. . . . . . . (602) 506-7799

Southeast Facility (Main Number) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (602) 506-2600
222 E. Javelina, Suite 2400 • Mesa, AZ 85210

Drug Free AZ . . . . . . . . . . (602) 506-7630

Juvenile Division Eastside Office (Main Number) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (480) 962-8002
540 W. Iron Avenue, Suite 110 • Mesa, AZ 85210

Community Action
Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (602) 506-3411

Adoptions . . . . . . . . . . . . (480) 962-8002

Victim Services Division . . . (602) 506-8522

Juvenile Division Westside Office (Main Number) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (602) 455-3877
3501 W. Osborn Avenue • Phoenix, AZ 85019

Victim Compensation
Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (602) 506-4955

Wells Fargo Facility (Main Number) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (602) 372-7350
100 W. Washington, 21st Floor • Phoenix, AZ 85003

Hotlines
Graffiti

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (602) 262-7327

Division of County Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (602) 506-8541
222 N. Central Avenue, Suite 1100 • Phoenix, AZ 85004

Hate Crimes

www.maricopacountyattorney.org

Slumlord . . . . . . . . . . . . . (602) 372-7586

. . . . . . . . . . (602) 506-5000

Illegal Dumping . . . . . . . . (602) 506-3867

RICHARD M. ROMLEY
MARICOPA COUNTY ATTORNEY
301 W. Jefferson Street, Suite 800
Phoenix, AZ 85003
www.maricopacountyattorney.org