ST. JOHNS, Ariz.—Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced that her office is investigating allegations of public corruption involving Apache County Attorney Michael Whiting.
On June 4, officers of the attorney general served a warrant to search the county attorney’s home and office as part of an ongoing investigation.
Ms. Mayes wrote in a June 7 letter to Apache County’s Board of Supervisors that the investigation focuses on the alleged “misuse of public monies” and “threatening and intimidating a political opponent.”
Ms. Mayes added: “Seeking and executing a warrant on a county attorney’s office was a significant decision that I did not take lightly.
“I determined that serving a warrant at this time was in the best interest of the state of Arizona and Apache County Attorney’s Office. Now, I want to ensure the office continues operations as normal.”
While Ms. Mayes’ letter did not describe the allegations in detail or name Mr. Whiting’s political opponent, she said her office has an “obligation to protect Apache County’s Office and the functioning of the state’s criminal justice system in Apache County.”
“Therefore, I deem it necessary to exercise my supervisory powers and will assist the Apache County Attorney’s Office for 90 days,” she wrote.
Apache County Deputy Attorney Celeste Robertson has “full authority” to serve in the capacity of county attorney during Mr. Whiting’s absence.
In addition, the County Attorney’s Office must provide monthly expense reports to the Attorney General’s Criminal Division.
Ms. Mayes wrote that should Mr. Whiting return to his office, he will require approval from the Criminal Division for any expenditure over $200.
According to a spokesman, the Apache County Sheriff’s Office did not participate in the search warrant and is not involved in the investigation.
Apache County Manager Ryan Patterson and Dr. Joe Shirley, chairman of the Apache County Board of Supervisors, did not respond to a request for comment from The Epoch Times.
Mr. Whiting, a Democrat, was elected to his first four-year term in 2008 and is a candidate running unopposed in the 2024 primary election. He is an active member of the Arizona State Bar Association.
