FLORENCE (01/20/22) - Amid overwhelming demand, the Pinal County Attorney's Office has filled the first class for its Citizens Academy, set to take place next month.
The Citizens Academy is an opportunity for the public to get a better understanding of the criminal prosecution process, through hands-on experiences and a behind-the-scenes look at how specific cases were handled.
The Pinal County Attorney's Office has not held a Citizens Academy in more than four years. The February 19th class will be the first with County Attorney Kent Volkmer.
The Citizens Academy offers opportunities such as reviewing how specific cases were charged and prosecuted, a tour of the county jail and the use of a shooting simulator that provides a better understanding of situations where law enforcement has to make quick decisions.
While details on the second class have yet to be finalized, the goal is to host the Citizens Academy several times a year. The interest was so strong, the February class filled up within a couple days of it being announced.
The Citizens Academy is a good fit for anyone looking to get a better understanding of how the criminal justice system, and criminal prosecution process, works. This includes individuals, neighborhood or business groups, or those looking toward a future career in law or criminal justice.
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https://pinalcountyattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/PIO1295-scaled.jpg17072560Michael Peltonhttps://pinalcountyattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/pca-logo-v05-300x100.pngMichael Pelton2022-01-20 11:07:312022-01-20 11:07:31PCAO launches Citizens Academy
FLORENCE – The Pinal County Attorney’s Office would like to thank the dozens of law enforcement personnel, elected officials and other county staff who attended a kickoff event for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
County Attorney Kent Volkmer addressed the crowd that gathered Tuesday morning in Florence to mark the month of October, in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“Despite us doing a lot with these type of events, providing tons of services, law enforcement getting additional training, domestic violence is not slowing down,” Volkmer said. “In fact our numbers show a dramatic increase. During the Covid pandemic…we’re talking about almost a 20% increase in the raw number of [domestic violence] calls that are occurring.”
Volkmer touted efforts across Pinal County to address domestic violence and noted the rate of related incidents is lower than surrounding counties.
“This is one of our issues and it’s insidious,” Volkmer said. “It knows no socioeconomic boundaries, it knows no racial boundaries, it knows no boundaries…it does not matter. It affects everybody across the board.”
Volkmer also touched on efforts to address underlying issues that lead to domestic violence.
“We’re not going to arrest our way out of this problem,” he said. “We’re not going to be able to incarcerate people and make them behave. We’re going to have to give them additional skills and additional ways to handle interpersonal conflict.”
In 2020, the Pinal County Attorney’s Office Victim Services Division provided services to 2,265 victims of domestic violence. In 2019, there were 96 domestic violence-related deaths in Arizona, according to the latest numbers available from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
The kickoff event also featured the courageous personal story from Jacqueline Lopez, who is a Senior Victim Advocate at PCAO, as well as a domestic violence survivor herself.
“This is actually the first time I’ve told my entire story,” she said.
Lopez detailed the shooting death of her mother at the hands of her father. She also described intimate details of repeated sexual and verbal abuse she suffered while in a toxic relationship that was difficult to escape.
“I was so ‘love crazed’ that I couldn’t see what was going on,” Lopez said. “My best friend stopped talking to me because she said she just couldn’t stand by and watch [him] destroy my personality anymore.”
Lopez said she finally got to a point where she sought help from family and came to stay with them in Arizona.
“It took a very long time for me to stop looking over my shoulder, thinking that he would show up at any time,” Lopez said.
Lopez hopes her story resonates with others.
“To this day, I still bear scars on the outside and on the inside,” Lopez said. “I am here today, telling my story, so people can know that you can rise above the pain and suffering.”
Lopez also noted her professional role at the Pinal County Attorney’s Office.
“I believe that I have found my calling in life, working as a victim advocate, trying to help others who have suffered at the hands of another,” she said.
Lopez received an ovation from the crowd, and many words of encouragement for having the bravery to share what she endured.
“I want to thank you for sharing that story with us,” Volkmer said, before turning to the law enforcement personnel in attendance. "She’s the success story. She’s the reason that you all do what you do…so we can help those people and they can turn into these success stories, that they can have a family, they can raise a child and they can give back to our community.”
Volkmer noted the message it sends with having the various agencies in the room together.
“To me, this is us saying as a community, we stand united against this.”
FLORENCE – More than 1,400 people have successfully completed the Diversion Program since it returned to the Pinal County Attorney’s Office in 2017.
The Diversion Program provides a path for some defendants to earn the ability to avoid a potential conviction, while learning tools to prevent similar problems from reappearing later in life.
The mission of the diversion program is to “…reduce recidivism, advance justice, and promote community safety through the use of evidence-based programs and effective community supervision tailored to the risks and needs of each individual.”
One recent participant who successfully completed the program is Jarrett, a man who lives in Florence.
“I think I’ve only had one traffic ticket,” he said. “I’ve never been in trouble before.”
That changed one day last year, after an incident left Jarrett facing an assault charge.
“[I was] terrified,” he said. “Terrified.”
Jarrett feared going to jail.
“The true gravity of the situation I put myself into became real,” he said.
Jarrett became eligible for the Diversion Program, which consists of a variety of requirements, such as treatment and/or community service, tailored to each individual participant.
“I just felt like I probably deserved jail but I don’t think jail would have done me a lot of good,” Jarrett said.
The Diversion Program encourages positive behavior change in order to deter any possible future incidents.
“Not everybody is eligible for Diversion,” said Diversion Officer Nicole Buccellato. “Normally, it’s first time offenders that have a chance of, once their record is clean, living a productive adult life.”
Buccellato worked with Jarrett to come up with a plan for his individual case.
In general, Buccellato said the goal is to try and find the root cause of what sparked a particular incident.
“A lot of factors go into that, what happened on that night, what do they admit to,” she said. “They could have a substance abuse problem where they only possibly…hit their partner or break things when they’re drunk. So, rather than send them straight to [domestic violence] classes, we may have them do a substance abuse class first.”
Jarrett was given a plan to follow.
“She came to the conclusion that my drinking was the catalyst for the problem that I put myself into,” Jarrett said. “Which, at that time, I thought was a bunch of crap.”
Jarrett said while hesitant at first, he warmed up to the Diversion Program and was enrolled in a recovery program and attended private counseling.
“To my surprise, when I put my nose down and called the alcohol program, it surprised me how intense it was,” Jarrett said. “It made me immediately realize, by talking to the people, that I did have an issue going on.”
Buccellato noted Jarrett’s success while going through the Diversion Program.
“I don’t think he missed one treatment,” she said. “Never was late on one payment.”
The Diversion Program can also include community service. A back-to-school drive several weeks ago netted dozens of backpacks and other supplies provided by participants. The supplies then went to the Casa Grande Alliance, which distributes those items to the community.
Buccellato looks forward to helping each participant she meets become successful in the program.
“I’ve lived in Pinal County my whole entire life,” she said. “This is my neighborhood, this is my area and these people are in this county, which affects all of us.”
Jarrett successfully completed the Diversion Program and has advice for others who might be as hesitant as he was at first.
“Get honest with yourself, please,” he said. “You didn’t get into that predicament, or whatever predicament you’re in, for no reason at all.”
It is rare for defendants to be unsuccessful in completing the Diversion Program. Since 2017, prosecution has only resumed on 292 cases.
Jarrett is looking forward to his future.
“Back to my old life, minus the drinking,” Jarrett said. “Got my wife back, got my life back, my son is happy, I’m good.”
https://pinalcountyattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Scales-of-Justice-scaled.jpg17072560Michael Peltonhttps://pinalcountyattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/pca-logo-v05-300x100.pngMichael Pelton2021-08-26 13:29:372021-08-26 13:40:19Diversion Program surpasses 1,400 successful cases
CASA GRANDE - The Pinal County Attorney's Office would like to extend a special thank you to community members who are going above and beyond to pitch in and pick up trash in their neighborhoods.
One such group is located in Casa Grande.
"This is our town," said resident Megan Sanders. "We should take pride in it."
Sanders helped start a grassroots group that organizes a community cleanup every few weeks around Casa Grande. The group, titled Rooster Club Desert Clean-Up, decides what locations to target and consists of more than 200 members, and counting, who have joined their Facebook page.
"It was, 'it needs to get done and if no one else is going to do it, we're going to step up and do it," Sanders said of the initiative to begin the cleanups.
The group's latest cleanup occurred this past Saturday, at the intersection of McCartney Road and Pinal Avenue in Casa Grande.
"A lot of us that have founded the group are the ones who have bought trash bags," Sanders said. "We've paid for dump fees."
Sanders' son Brody, 12, also takes part in the cleanup effort.
"It's been really fun," Brody Sanders said. "It's a good way to bring the community together."
As you might imagine, the group comes across all sorts of trash and improperly disposed of items during their cleanups.
"Mattresses, shelving...couches," Sanders said. "Pillows, trash, stacks of bills that should be shredded."
That's not all.
"We found a whole entire boat," Brody Sanders said.
That brought about a little laugh.
"Yeah, there was a boat," Megan Sanders said.
The group is planning another community cleanup in September, although the exact location is yet to be determined. They are looking for others to join, and have seen increased interest as their effort grows and after they were recently featured in a local news story. They hope to continue making a difference while also encouraging those who are dumping the trash and debris to stop.
"We as adults can do better," Sanders said. "Ultimately, that's what I hope, is that if we each do a little bit better, there will be less and less trash."
Pinal County is actively working to ensure residents have adequate information on how - and where - to properly dispose of items. Pinal County is also working to enhance measures to target offenders. Additional information and resources will be rolling out in the coming weeks to further address the issue.
https://pinalcountyattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/191782962_10222291101680778_5734265620331371634_n.jpeg720960Michael Peltonhttps://pinalcountyattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/pca-logo-v05-300x100.pngMichael Pelton2021-08-13 09:18:072021-08-26 13:42:11Community group helping pick up trash
The Pinal County Attorney's Office would like to thank the Arizona City Fire District and Chief Jeff Heaton for putting on 'Water Days' for kids in the community throughout the Summer. The event is held three days each week during the Summer and provides families a great option for food and fun.
The Pinal County Attorney's Office is proud to sponsor lunch for the kids on Fridays throughout the month of July.
County Attorney Kent Volkmer and other agency staff stopped by the event last week. Pictures and video from the visit are below. The kids had a great time!
https://pinalcountyattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Pic1-scaled.jpg17072560Michael Peltonhttps://pinalcountyattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/pca-logo-v05-300x100.pngMichael Pelton2021-07-20 08:49:042021-08-26 13:34:53‘Water Days’ in Arizona City
FLORENCE, Ariz. (July 22, 2019) – Pinal County Superior Court Judge Patrick Gard sentenced Andrew Salazar to 19 years in prison for the manslaughter of Robert Ben DeArman III. Salazar was already serving time for a gun violation case. The manslaughter sentence will run concurrently with the gun violation case. Salazar was facing a minimum of 10.5 years and a maximum of 21 years in prison on Friday, July 19, 2019, when he received his sentence.
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FLORENCE, Ariz. (May 23, 2019) – On Wednesday, May 22, 2019, a jury found Andrew Salazar guilty of manslaughter, a class two dangerous felony.
On October 11, 2013, Robert Ben DeArman III was shot and killed at a party with friends in Florence. According to investigators, Andrew Salazar was drinking at the party for several hours. During the event, Salazar pointed a gun at the victim and shot him once in the chest, killing him. Investigators determined Salazar was intoxicated and using prescription medication when DeArman was shot.
At the time of the shooting, the defendant was a convicted felon. Salazar was also on probation and was unlawfully in possession of the firearm.
Salazar faces a mandatory minimum of ten and a half years and a maximum of 21 years for manslaughter. Salazar is expected to be sentenced on July 19th at Pinal County Superior Courthouse.
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DeArman Family Statement:
"I just have to thank you again for getting us JUSTICE yesterday. Your professionalism, determination and strength in our case gave us the verdict we've been waiting for for the last 6 years. I truly believe that you were sent to us by a higher power. Robert can now finally rest in peace. I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Connie Hills
https://pinalcountyattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Podium-Logo-Color-WEB.jpg13332000PCAhttps://pinalcountyattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/pca-logo-v05-300x100.pngPCA2019-07-29 15:05:492019-07-29 15:09:14Casa Grande man sentenced to 19 years for manslaughter in 2013 fatal shooting
FLORENCE, Ariz. (May 24, 2019) – On Wednesday, May 22, 2019, a jury found Andrew Salazar guilty of manslaughter, a class two dangerous felony.
On October 11, 2013, Robert Ben De Arman III was shot and killed at a party with friends in Florence. According to investigators, Andrew Salazar was drinking at the party for several hours. During the event, Salazar pointed a gun at the victim and shot him once in the chest, killing him. Investigators determined Salazar was intoxicated and using prescription medication when De Arman was shot.
At the time of the shooting, the defendant was a convicted felon. Salazar was also on probation and was unlawfully in possession of the firearm.
Salazar faces a mandatory minimum of ten and a half years and a maximum of 21 years for manslaughter. Salazar will receive his sentence on July 19th at Pinal County Superior Courthouse.
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Family Statement of Robert Ben De Arman III:
To whom it may concern,
Our family would like to take this time to thank everyone that assisted with getting the justice that we received. This has been a long road not only for our family but also for those who have worked so hard on the case.
We would like to personally thank Sgt. James Rimmer, Vince Goddard, David Ahl, Barbara Marvel, Jesus Pacheco, Gina Ramirez and Arizona Voice for Crime Victims. Most of these individuals have been with our family since the start of all this and never once did our family feel alone or doubt that we wouldn’t get the justice that was much needed. Thank you again to all of you for your hard work and dedication.
The Family of Robert Ben De Arman III
https://pinalcountyattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Podium-Logo-Color-WEB-1.jpg13332000Trevor Smithhttps://pinalcountyattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/pca-logo-v05-300x100.pngTrevor Smith2019-05-24 11:18:592019-05-24 11:23:40Casa Grande Man Guilty of Manslaughter in 2013 Fatal Shooting
FLORENCE, Ariz. (March 18, 2019) – Pinal County Attorney’s Office is evaluating the child abuse allegations against City of Maricopa resident Machelle Hobson, 47. We were first alerted to the police investigation and underlying allegations by City of Maricopa Police Department. On March 15, 2019, Hobson, and her two biological children 27-year-old Logan Hackney and 25-year-old Ryan Hackney, were taken into custody by local law enforcement.
Pinal County Attorney’s Office takes child abuse allegations very seriously. We are conducting a comprehensive review of the investigation to determine the most appropriate way to proceed forward with formal charges. While the allegations are highly disturbing and alarming, all three defendants are innocent until proven guilty.
"Children are our community’s most precious resource, and this office is committed to holding those individuals who choose to harm them fully accountable for their actions," County Attorney Kent Volkmer said.
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https://pinalcountyattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/pca-logo-v05-300x100.png00Trevor Smithhttps://pinalcountyattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/pca-logo-v05-300x100.pngTrevor Smith2019-03-21 08:53:112019-03-21 08:59:12Pinal County Attorney’s Office Statement on Child Abuse Allegations
Michael Huntoon gets 280 years in prison for child pornography
January 17, 2019
FLORENCE, Ariz. – A jury found 40-year-old Michael Huntoon guilty of ten counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and dangerous crimes against children.
At sentencing on January 9th, the court imposed a presumptive sentence of 28 years for each of the ten counts against him. In total, Huntoon was sentenced to 280-years in prison.
“This office is committed to putting predators behind bars and keeping our communities safe. Sentences like these ensure that Mr. Huntoon and those like him will never perpetrate another crime on another child,” Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer said.
In 2015, Phoenix and Chandler Police Departments uncovered Huntoon’s actions while they were proactively investigating on a peer-to-peer file sharing network known for the distribution of child pornography. On the file-sharing network, they discovered downloadable images and videos exploiting children. After close examination, detectives discovered the source of the information came from Huntoon’s computer.
The Phoenix Police Department, with the assistance of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, searched Huntoon’s Apache Junction residence. During the search, law enforcement seized a laptop, cell phone, and tablet belonging to Huntoon. Detectives from the Phoenix Police Department forensically analyzed those devices which resulted in the discovery of thousands of images of minors, as young as five-years-old. Law enforcement officers arrested Huntoon on October 28, 2015.
“Cases like these are built by the seamless collaboration of multiple jurisdictions and police agencies. By these agencies working together, men like Mr. Huntoon are systematically identified, prosecuted, and held accountable for their crimes against our most vulnerable,” Volkmer said.
https://pinalcountyattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Huntoon.jpg600480Trevor Smithhttps://pinalcountyattorney.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/pca-logo-v05-300x100.pngTrevor Smith2019-01-21 17:08:172019-01-21 17:13:13Pinal County Man Sentenced to 280 Years for Child Pornography
