#WeekInJustice: Week 220
It’s been an active week filled with changes, challenges, and updates to some high-profile cases, and through it all our phenomenal prosecutors are working diligently with TPD investigators and PCAO staff to continue to get justice for families and victims.
One example of that was the sentencing of a Tucson man who made bomb threats targeting LGBTQIA+ students at Compass Charter High School in March 2023. Prosecutor Arlene Leoni and her fantastic team were able to secure a guilty verdict. It only took Pima County jurors 1 hour of deliberation to convict the defendant in this case. The defendant received 8 years in prison followed by strict probation for his crimes.
Laura made a stop at the 10th Annual Second Chance Reentry Job and Resource Fair at the TCC to talk to and connect with community members who are reintegrating into society about the challenges they face. It was also an opportunity to acknowledge employers who have extended their reach to provide second chances to those in need. Hundreds attended the resource fair and were able to get help with their resumes and applications.
Earlier this week, a PCAO detective helped stop a suspect’s flight from Tucson Police officers in downtown Tucson. TPD responded to a complaint of two men fighting at the Joel Valdez Library across the street from PCAO on Tuesday. When officers arrived, one of the men took off on foot.
Detective Phillip Young was leaving the Legal Services Building when he overheard the TPD officer yelling at the suspect to stop. The man was in the process of getting away when Detective Young stepped in front of him and stopped him in his tracks. The man was arrested by TPD with the assistance of Detective Young. TPD thanked Detective Young for his help with the arrest. This is another great example of collaboration with our local law enforcement partners.
Laura had a special meeting with law students from both U of A and ASU this week. The group is part of the Arizona Prosecuting Attorney’s Advisory Council (APAAC) Academy. The academy is designed to give law students an immersive experience of what it’s really like to be a prosecutor. Our Chief Criminal Deputy Josh Moser also shared his wisdom about how his division operates.
And finally, we want to say welcome to our new crop of interns from San Miguel High School and give a special thank you to our Civil Division law clerks who are wrapping up their time here at PCAO. Until next week.
Be well,
Shawndrea
