Thread: County OKs up to $10.1 million to defend Sheriff Joe Arpaio

Maricopa County OKs up to $10.1 million to defend Sheriff Joe Arpaio, former County Attorney Thomas

Yvonne Wingett -
Nov. 17, 2010 10:32 AM
The Arizona Republic

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors have agreed to spend up to $10.1 million to defend Sheriff Joe Arpaio, former County Attorney Andrew Thomas and their employees against legal claims stemming from their investigations into county officials.

Supervisors Don Stapley and Mary Rose Wilcox, who were the subjects of some of those investigations and who have filed claims against the county for $10 million and $4.75 million, respectively, recused themselves from the vote.

Supervisors Fulton Brock, Max Wilson and Andy Kunasek approved the contract without commenting. They deferred to County Manager David Smith, who said the county "has to arm itself" against the claims filed by judges, county supervisors, employees and others involved in the Arpaio-Thomas investigations.

Smith said the county has received "upwards of 20" claims against the county.

The claimants stand to receive a combined $56 million if they get what they have asked for to settle claims for damages. All claim they were wrongfully targeted by Arpaio and Thomas in lawsuits and criminal investigations.

The contract allows county officials to spend up to $10.1 million over three years to law firms that do not have conflicts of interest with the county. The contract allows the county to hire: Beer & Toone PC,Broening Oberg Woods & Wilson, Kimble, Nelson, Audilette & Kastner,and Mueller & Drury, PC.

County Risk Manager Peter Crowley said Tuesday the contract allows county officials to assign legal matters to one or more law firms. He said county officials likely would assign at least one firm to represent the sheriff, his office and employees, and a second firm to represent Thomas, his office and employees. Other firms may be hired as needed, he said.

The claimants are seeking compensation for legal fees and other damages, including stress, insomnia, tarnished reputations, loss of appetite, emotional distress, headaches and loss of future earnings. Damages sought range from $1.75 million to $10 million.

The claimants also include:

- Former Deputy County Attorney Lisa Aubuchon, who wants $10 million.

- Current and former Superior Court judges Gary Donahoe, Anna Baca, Barbara Mundell, Kenneth Field. They would settle their claims for $3 million to $4.75 million.

- Deputy County Manager Sandi Wilson, who wants a written apology from Arpaio or $2 million, and Stapley's Executive Assistant Susan Schuerman, who wants $1.75 million.

- Conley Wolfswinkel, his family and related businesses, who want $10 million.

http://www.azcentral.com/news/election/ ... 17-ON.html

look at all of the elected officals who want insane amounts of money .... what is this country coming to .