Free Shred Event in Maricopa this Saturday

(MARICOPA, AZ) - A free community shred event and food drive is coming to Maricopa this Saturday, courtesy of the Pinal County Attorney's Office and the City of Maricopa Senior Advisory Committee.

The shred-a-thon is a great opportunity for residents to get rid of sensitive documents, such as old business or tax records and medical information.

A food drive, which encourages canned goods and non-perishable items, will go to benefit F.O.R. Maricopa Food Bank.

The shred event and food drive will take place from 9am - 11am at Copper Sky Regional Park (44345 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd) on Saturday, April 20th.

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2nd Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk & Family Day

FLORENCE, AZ  (September 19th, 2023)  – The public is encouraged to attend a community trail walk and family day in order to unite in solidarity for victims ahead of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The 2nd Annual Pinal County Domestic Violence Awareness Walk & Family Day will take place on Saturday, September 30th in Apache Junction.

This event will feature a 5k trail walk, as well as resource booths, games, speakers and other activities. This family-friendly event is designed to bring awareness to the impacts and prevalence of domestic violence, as Domestic Violence Awareness Month takes place in October.

“This event is designed to shine a light on the impact Domestic Violence has on our community,” said County Attorney Kent Volkmer. “We need to stand together as a community to say enough is enough.”

The Pinal County Attorney’s Office is partnering with A New Leaf and the Apache Junction Police Department for the event.

What: Domestic Violence Awareness 5k Trail Walk & Family Day
When: Saturday, September 30th, 2023 from 7:00am – 11:00am
Where: Prospector Park (3015 N. Idaho Road, Apache Junction)

This event is open to the public. While it is free to register and attend, a $30 donation provides event swag and goes to support local domestic violence programs.

“I’m asking everyone to come out, show their support for victims, and enjoy a morning coming together as a community to raise awareness of this important issue,” Volkmer said.

In 2022, the Pinal County Attorney’s Office, Victim Services Division provided services to more than 2,265 victims of domestic violence.

Those who are interested in registering for the event can do so at TurnaNewLeaf.Org/DVAW2023. A flyer with additional details has also been attached.

2023 Pinal County Domestic Violence Awareness Walk Sponsorship Packet (2)

 

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“Coffee with Kent” coming to Queen Creek

The Pinal County Attorney's Office will host another "Coffee with Kent" event this week, this time in Queen Creek.

Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer will join Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice on Tuesday, May 17th for the community event. It is open to the public and is designed to provide an opportunity for residents to meet with their local officials, ask questions, share concerns and learn about law enforcement and the criminal prosecution process.

The event runs from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 17th. It takes place at the Starbucks located at 20824 E. Riggs Road in Queen Creek. The Pinal County Attorney's Office extends a special thank you to Starbucks for hosting the event.

"Coffee with Kent" is a series of community events that are held across Pinal County. Typically held once a month, they are designed to connect with communities across Pinal County and provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions and receive an update on trends or other issues affecting the county.

You can always receive updates by following the Pinal County Attorney's Office on Facebook at Facebook.com/PCAOPIO.

Coffee with Kent Queen Creek (1) (1)

Youth CSI Summer Camp set for June

FLORENCE - Navigating a mock crime scene and watching real attorneys argue guilt and innocence are just part of a two-day Youth CSI Summer Camp that is open to Pinal County high school students.

The event, scheduled for June 9th and June 10th, is a rare and unique opportunity for Pinal County high school students to get an in-depth look at the criminal justice process.

The two-day camp includes the opportunity to navigate a mock crime scene, which will evolve into the arrest of a suspect, formal charges being filed and a mock trial. The mock trial will involve real attorneys on both sides as they argue guilt and innocence in front of Pinal County Superior Court Judge Delia Neal.

What: Youth CSI Summer Camp
When: June 9th from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Day 2:  June 10th from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: 971 North Jason Lopez Circle      Florence, AZ

Additional details are below. If you are interested, you can register HERE.

Happy Halloween

FLORENCE - The Pinal County Attorney's Office would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Halloween.

While out trick-or-treating this weekend, have a good time but please remember to stay safe while enjoying the night with family and friends.

  • Watch out for vehicles (and vice versa to those driving)
  • Walk on the sidewalk
  • Stay together in a group
  • Have an adult inspect the haul of candy before eating it
  • Only approach homes that are lit up

Below is a message from County Attorney Kent Volkmer.

 

9/11 message on 20-year mark

FLORENCE - 20 years ago, thousands of Americans lost their lives in the horrific terror attacks on September 11th, 2001.

County Attorney Kent Volkmer has the following message as the country remembers the events and lives lost on 9/11.

Good Samaritan Drug Law

Reminder: Arizona has a Good Samaritan drug law that can help save lives. The statute protects victims of overdose as well as those who call for medical help while present during an overdose.

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, there have been more than 9,800 suspected Opioid deaths statewide since June 2017.

During a drug-induced overdose, time is of the essence. Do not be afraid to call for help.

Below is a message from County Attorney Kent Volkmer.

Poster Contest Winner’s Class Participates in Science Field Trip

FLORENCE, Ariz. (May 21, 2019) – Thirty-one sixth grade students at City of Maricopa’s Legacy Traditional School accompanied six parents and a teacher to the Arizona Science Center.  County Attorney Kent Volkmer joined the students as they went through the exhibits.  Students in Mrs. Arney’s class were awarded the trip after their very talented classmate Angela Lawson won Pinal County Attorney’s Office Anti-Drug Poster Contest.

“We enjoyed our day of learning at the Science Center. It was a great ending to a wonderful year with students. We have laughed, learned, cried and become a family,” Mrs. Arney said.

Lawson said her favorite section was the Forces of Nature exhibit at the science center. Mrs. Arney said she enjoyed the Mummies Exhibit since her class learns about Ancient Egypt and reads the book The Golden Goblet.  However, other students said they enjoyed the virtual reality section, and an exhibit where students measure their brain activity called Mind Ball.

Sixth grade students in Pinal County were given a month to create a poster with an anti-drug theme. The students had one month to create a design that educates and engages Pinal’s youth on the importance of being drug-free.

For more information on Pinal County Attorney’s Office visit our website at: https://pinalcountyattorney.org/.

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19-Year-Old Sentenced for First-Degree Murder

FLORENCE, Ariz. (March 18, 2019) – On March 15, 2019, Nathaniel Maldonado was sentenced to 25 years in prison with the possibility of parole for first-degree felony murder. Additionally, Maldonado will serve a concurrent sentence of 7.5 years in prison for an attempted armed robbery that took place at the same time.

On May 13, 2017, 17-year-old Maldonado met with 20-year-old Tyran Simmons, Jr. Maldonado shot Simmons five times after robbing him. The defendant left the scene of the crime with co-defendant Gloria Alvarez. A concerned neighbor followed the two suspects to a nearby home and called law enforcement. When Pinal County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene, they found a weapon inside the house along with blood-stained clothes. Investigators linked the evidence to the crime. PCSO arrested both Maldonado and Alvarez.

The co-defendant, Alvarez, plead guilty to armed robbery and hindering prosecution. She testified during Maldonado’s trial that the defendant said he intended to rob the victim of marijuana. Alvarez said she drove the defendant to and from the scene of the crime, waiting for Maldonado while he was with Simmons. During the investigation, social media revealed the defendant and the victim made contact over messaging before the incident.

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