APACHE COUNTY, Ariz. — Apache County Attorney Michael Whiting, who has been accused of theft, misuse of public funds and harassing political opponent, has had his law license suspended following his indictment.
A lawyer may be suspended if they appear to be misappropriating funds or "engaging in conduct that would result in substantial harm, loss or damage to the public, the legal profession, or the administration of justice," the State Bar of Arizona's website reads in part.
The interim suspension takes effect on Nov. 1. While suspended, Whiting may not practice law in Arizona.
Whiting is currently up for reelection and running unopposed in the county. However, state law requires a person to be a licensed attorney at law to hold the office. It is unclear how the suspension will affect the Apache County Attorney's Office.
The indictment accused Whiting of, among other things, threatening a political opponent of his wife, who is Apache County's school superintendent.
The indictment accuses Whiting of compiling information on Fernando Madrid, who was running for superintendent, and threatening to release it if Madrid did not drop out of the race. Madrid did pull his name from the election.
The AG's office also accuses both Whitings of buying items like gym equipment, cars and school spelling bee materials using county funds that were not authorized.
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