Cost of Prosecution of Former Sheriff

By Criss Candelaria, Apache County Attorney

Many folks ask me about the costs of prosecuting the former sheriff. Former Attorney General Grant Woods was paid $_____________ by the Apache County Board of Supervisors.

The cost is a direct result of decisions of the former sheriff. He chose the number of times, the places, the people, and means by which he allegedly committed thefts, and each of the episodes required investigation.

In all there were 31 allegations concerning the abuse of office by the former sheriff and his use of sheriff's office personnel, equipment, and finances for personal gain. For example, the investigation revealed that the former sheriff used an on duty:

• deputy to install drywall at his personal residence;
• employee to drive a sheriff's truck and trailer to Phoenix to bring a family vehicle to St. Johns; and that he
• personally collected travel pay for a fishing trip.

Altogether the alleged direct loss to the county was just over $15,000 and this was the amount that the former sheriff agreed to pay in restitution. The cost of the investigation and prosecution to the county and state was not part of the restitution.

Criminal investigations are expensive, particularly when they involve many episodes; and they are seldom likely to cost less than the underlying crime. This is the cost of justice, and specifically of ensuring that public officials operate within the bounds of the law and morality.

© 2008 Criss Candelaria