Two former Maricopa County attorneys, Lisa Aubuchon (Deputy County Attorney) and Andrew Thomas (Country Attorney) launched investigations into graft and corruption in the county’s allegedly corrupt government. Their investigation led to charges against County Supervisors, and a County Judge, of racketeering charges. Following their investigations, Thomas was relieved of office and Aubuchon put on administrative leave due to claims that the investigations and charges were unethical.
An attorney appointed by the Arizona Supreme Court to investigate the conduct of the former Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas,and Deputy County Attorney Lisa Aubuchon, claims he’s being followed by private investigators. The lawyer, out-of-state attorney John Gleason of Colorado, claims that during trips to Arizona, he was “tailed” by private detectives. He also, according to Arizona Republic, received a letter from Sheriff Joe Arpaio claiming that the sheriff’s was “concerned” about Gleason’s investigation.
Interim County Attorney Rick Romley confirmed Gleason’s story in The Republic, stating, “We had information that the Colorado attorneys that were looking into the Thomas bar complaint have been followed by private investigators. ”
Romley’s office turned the matter over to the FBI, and the US Attorney’s Office got involved in early August. Federal officials are investigating Arpaio–and others–for reportedly abusing the powers bestowed upon them by their offices.
The law firm representing Aubuchon said private investigators were hired to follow Gleason to determine who Gleason was speaking with, where he was staying, and the nature of his investigation. The legal team for the ousted attorneys stated they have the right to conduct investigations in order to protect their clients, and that the investigators did were not employed to intimidate or interfere with the Colorado attorney’s investigation.
Private Investigators are often retained to discover information when professional conduct is in question. Seasoned detectives from reputable firms like MSI Detective Services conduct discreet, professional, confidential investigative services for their clients. Full-service detective agencies conduct thousands of investigations for attorneys, corporations, small business owners, insurance companies, and private citizens when there’s evidence of inappropriate actions that don’t fall within the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies.
If you suspect unethical conduct and need to determine the facts, contact MSI Detective Services for free advice and/or consultation.