PHOENIX — Apache County Attorney Michael Whiting has been indicted for criminal charges of harassment, misusing public funds and altering public records.
The indictment released on Tuesday is the result of an ongoing investigation conducted by the Arizona Attorney General's Office, which included the state agency executing search warrants earlier this summer.
Apache County School Superintendent Joyclynn Whiting, the county attorney's spouse, has also been indicted for charges of misuse of public monies and conflict of interest.
The indictment accuses Whiting of threatening an individual who was attempting to run against his wife for the superintendent position. The individual eventually decided to withdraw their candidacy due to "coercive tactics" allegedly committed by Whiting.
The Whitings are additionally accused of using nearly $80,000 in superintendent funds to purchase a vehicle used by Michael Whiting, according to the indictment.
"Public officials are entrusted with the responsibility to serve their communities with integrity and honesty," Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a statement. "When that trust is violated, it undermines public confidence in the workings of government."
Whiting's aide, Daryl Greer, has also been indicted on two misdemeanors and two felony counts. Greer is accused of using a county credit card to spend thousands of dollars on gym equipment that was delivered to the county attorney's office.
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