Married Apache County officials charged in public corruption case

PHOENIX – An Arizona grand jury has indicted two elected officials and one of their staffers in a public corruption investigation, authorities said Tuesday.

District Attorney Michael Whiting and his wife, school board member Joyclynn “Joy” Whiting, are each accused of several serious crimes in the case, the Arizona Attorney General's Office said.

The indictment, filed Monday in Maricopa County Superior Court, also named Daryl Greer, who worked directly for Michael Whiting.

The Whitings are both seeking re-election after winning their Democratic primary in Apache County, which consists primarily of the Navajo Nation and Fort Apache Indian Reservation lands in northeastern Arizona.

Why were Apache County officials charged?

Some of the charges relate to an alleged harassment campaign waged in March against Fernando Madrid, a political rival of Joy Whiting.

Madrid filed for the Democratic primary for school superintendent in February but withdrew from the race on March 28, citing “coercive tactics” by Michael Whiting, according to the indictment.

The Whitings are also accused of misusing public funds, at times with help from Greer. Joy Whiting is alleged to have approved the purchase of an $80,000 Ford Expedition SUV, which was then turned over to the district attorney's office and used primarily by her husband.

The government corruption investigation also uncovered evidence that the defendants had illegally used public funds for various purchases beginning in 2022, including thousands of dollars worth of exercise equipment, the indictment said.

“Public officials are entrusted with the responsibility to serve their communities with integrity and honesty,” Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a press release. “When that trust is abused, it undermines the public's confidence in the work of government. These are serious allegations, and my office is committed to ensuring a thorough and fair trial as we seek justice for the people of Apache County.”

What charges are Apache Junction officers and employees facing?

Michael Whiting was charged with three counts of misuse of public funds, two counts of theft, and one count each of harassment, sending a threatening or anonymous letter, conflict of interest, and theft, destruction, or concealment of public records. Six of the nine alleged offenses are capital felonies.

His wife was charged with misuse of public funds and conflict of interest, both criminal offenses.

Greer was charged with two counts of misuse of public funds, a felony, and one misdemeanor, namely harassment and sending a threatening letter or an anonymous letter.

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