Category Archives: Counties

Deputy County Attorney receives Prosecutor of the Year Award

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Attorney’s Office is pleased to announce that one its felony prosecutors has received statewide recognition.

Deputy County Attorney Ammon Barker was awarded Prosecutor of the Year for Rural Counties by the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council on July 31st at the annual conference in Tucson. Barker competed against numerous other worthy candidates from other County Attorney Offices, but prevailed as a result of his exceptional year in obtaining jury verdicts in several major criminal cases.

“Ammon had a stellar year in the courtroom and we are very proud of him”, said County Attorney David Rozema.

Barker arrived in Coconino County less than four years ago through the office’s recruitment program with dreams of trying the most violent offenders. During the last year, his dream became reality, as he successfully tried a first degree murder, two machete attack cases and a domestic violence murder. The first degree murder conviction was based largely on a tire print taken from the scene and other scene reconstruction. The other cases presented challenges as well, including evidentiary difficulties and hostile witnesses.

Additional APAAC award recipients from the County Attorney’s Office include Chief Deputy County Attorney Michael Lessler, who received the Prosecutor Lifetime Achievement award in 2006, and former Senior Trial Attorney Jonathan Mosher, who received the Prosecutor of the Year award in 2011.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Conducts OUI Checkpoint at Lake Powell

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boatPAGE – On Saturday, August 9th 2014 law enforcement agencies in Northern Coconino County will be conducting an Operating Under the Influence (OUI) and boating safety checkpoint at Lake Powell from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. In an effort to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol and drug involved boat collisions, OUI checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the waterways as well as to inform and educate the public of the dangers of impaired boating.

OUI checkpoints are a proven-effective method for achieving this goal. By publicizing these enforcement and education efforts, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office believes boaters can be deterred from operating watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In addition, members of the boating community are encouraged to ensure their vessels are properly outfitted with required safety equipment to ensure a safe voyage.

Traffic volume and weather permitting, all vessels may be checked for safety equipment and operators who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be arrested. Our objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering operating a watercraft after consuming alcohol or drugs-Boat Safe, Boat Smart, Boat Sober! Deputies of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office will partner with Officers of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, National Park Service, Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the Page Police Department. It is our desire that this two pronged approach of public awareness/education and strict enforcement will allow boating enthusiasts to have an enjoyable and safe recreational experience in Coconino County.

Safe boating recreation is a must, and everyone should take a minute and remember to check your boats, personal watercraft and all equipment before launching at your favorite lake or waterway. Make sure you have all required safety equipment, such as proper fitting life jackets and working fire extinguishers.

Arrest in Page for Trespass on Houseboat

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PAGE – On August 3, 2014 the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a report of trespassers on a houseboat in Antelope Point Marina on Lake Powell. Antelope Point Security Staff reported over 12 people on a docked houseboat who appeared to be using the 65 foot privately owned vessel for illegal activity.

National Park Service Rangers and a Coconino County Deputy responded and identified several subjects on the houseboat and were able to determine that no permission was given for them to be there.

A 38 year old male subject from Page was arrested for trespassing and booked into the Coconino County Jail Page Facility as a result of the investigation.

The investigation into the incident is currently under investigation by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office.

Man Arrested on Four Counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Sheriff’s Detectives arrested a 69 year-old man of Doney Park on four counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor involving his granddaughter.

On Thursday, July 31, 2014 a Doney Park resident walked into the Sheriff’s Office to turn himself in for engaging in sexual conduct between the years 2006-2011 with his then eight year old granddaughter.

During a subsequent interview with Detectives the suspect made statements implicating himself in the crime of continual sexual conduct with a minor. The suspect was arrested on four counts of sexual conduct with a minor and was booked into to the Coconino County Detention Facility located in Flagstaff.

The suspect’s name and booking photo are being withheld in an effort to protect the victim’s identity.

Arguments ‘For’ and ‘Against’ Coconino County Ballot Tax Question Sought for November 4, 2014 Election

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FLAGSTAFF – On November 4, 2014, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors will hold an election asking the voters of Coconino County to vote on a ballot question that would authorize a County Sales (Transaction Privilege) Tax for maintaining and preserving the conditions of Coconino County maintained roads.

Specifically, voters will be asked:

Shall Coconino County be authorized to levy and collect a three-tenths of a cent ($0.003) sales tax, for a period of twenty (20) years, beginning January 1, 2015, to fund the maintenance and preservation of roads maintained by Coconino County and fund those costs related to, but not limited to, snowplowing, dirt road grading, road surface chip sealing, road maintenance and other road-related expenses?

The proposed three-tenths of a cent ($0.003) sales tax is equal to thirty cents on each one hundred dollars of taxable sales within Coconino County.

Coconino County will prepare an informational pamphlet for the election. The pamphlet will be mailed to all households of registered voters in the county. Arguments “For” and “Against” the ballot question are being requested by the County for inclusion in the informational pamphlet.

Anyone who would like to submit a “For” or “Against” statement regarding the election can mail or hand deliver their statement to Coconino County Elections, 110 E Cherry Ave, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001.

The statement may not exceed 300 words and must include the original signature of the submitting party. If the argument is sponsored by an organization, it must be signed by two of the organization’s executive officers. If the argument is submitted by a political committee, it must be signed by the committee’s chairman or treasurer. The person(s) signing the argument must provide their mailing address and phone number (this information will not be printed in the pamphlet).

The cost to file an argument is $100 per argument filed on paper. If the argument is submitted electronically (on a cd or USB drive), the cost is $75 but, in order to meet the requirement for an original signature, it must be accompanied by a paper copy.

Arguments must be received by 5 p.m., August 11, 2014 in the Coconino County Elections Office at 110 E Cherry Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

For more information regarding the statements, call 928-679-7860
.

Using communication devices while driving illegal in Coconino County

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(APRIL 2014)

COCONINO COUNTY – In April of this year Coconino County passed an ordinance regulating the use of portable communications devices while driving. Included are all manner of devices such as PDAs, laptops, pagers and other electronic communications devices. That ordinance was amended by the passage of Ordinance No. 2014-09 (PDF).

Although installed and handheld two-way radio devices are not included in the definitions, they are covered in the exemptions to the ordinance. A technical reading of the ordinance would make the use of family radio service (FRS) devices illegal as they do not require a license for use.

The only devices allowed to be used are hands-free mobile phones and GPS units programmed prior to driving. Texting while driving is completely banned.

The ordinance reads:

A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a portable communications device to engage in a call unless that device is configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used exclusively in that manner while driving. Texting and typing while operating a motor vehicle are banned.

Exemptions include:

  • When the driver uses a hands-free mobile device.
  • When the purpose of the call is to communicate an emergency to a police or fire department, a hospital or physician’s office, or an ambulance corps.
  • When operating an authorized law enforcement or emergency vehicle in the performance of official duties.
  • When a driver holds a valid amateur radio operator license issued or any license issued by the Federal Communications Commission or the driver uses a two-way radio, including radios used in the Citizens Band (CB) service.
  • When a person is driving a school bus or transit vehicle that is subject to Arizona Revised Statutes or United State Department of Transportation regulations.
  • When a person is driving a motor vehicle on private property.
  • When a driver has pulled off of the traveled portion of the roadway in a safe and legal location and placed the vehicle in park in order to operate a handheld portable communications device.

Texting while driving has been a known problem for years. Cell phone companies and State departments of transportation have produced ads warning of the dangers.

The fine for the offense is $100 increasing to $250 if you are involved in an accident. Not to mention that the offenders insurance rate may increase. It may, however, extend to a higher cost. A teen in Massachusetts was convicted of vehicular homicide in 2012. He was convicted to the maximum penalty of 2-1/2 years.


(JUNE 6, 2012)

Teens being distracted by other teens while driving may be as much of a problem. An attempt by Arizona to address this situation was defeated a few years ago. The State of Arizona has no current statewide ban on texting or the use of cell phones while driving.

According to the June 4 Williams News, the Williams Police Department has chosen not to enforce the ban because of the difficulty in enforcement.

Mountain View Ranchos Neighborhood Watch Meeting

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neighborhoodwatchFLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jim Driscoll and District 4 Supervisor Mandy Metzger would like to invite residents of the Mountain View Ranchos community to attend the Neighborhood Watch meeting on Thursday, July 24, 2014. The meeting will be held from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Mountain View Ranchos Thrift Shop which is located across the road from the Mountain View Market.

Representatives of the Sheriff’s Office will be at the meeting to encourage continued neighborhood participation and to share information. Doney Park Community Deputies will be available to answer questions and provide support to this partnership between law abiding citizens, law enforcement and county government.

Representatives of the Sheriff’s Office and the Coconino County Department of Emergency Management will speak about the awareness of and preparedness for natural disasters and other emergencies. Instructions will be provided on how to build a “Go Bag” which contains items required for an evacuation out of the residence lasting up to 72 hours. Participants will also be given instructions how to build a “Home Emergency Kit” that will sustain a family for up to 72 hours in the event they are required to “Shelter in Place.” Presenters will speak about the Coconino County Code Red emergency notification system and participants will be given the opportunity to register to receive the notifications.

One Dead Following a One Vehicle Rollover Collision near Williams

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WILLIAMS – Coconino County Sheriff’s deputies and detectives are investigating a one vehicle roll over collision that occurred on Monday, July 21, 2014 at about 5:25 pm on Drake road in close proximity to the Bar Heart Ranch headquarters. There were two vehicle occupants; the driver and a front seat passenger.

At this point in the investigation deputies believe the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed as it crested the hill just to the east of the Bar Heart Ranch. It is believed the driver began to lose control as the vehicle reached the bottom of the hill and slid across both lanes of traffic. The vehicle hit a large rock on the shoulder of the road and eventually rolled over once completely and then flipped end over end one time completely. Deputies believe 32-year old Rocky Deibler of Williams was ejected at the beginning of the roll and came to rest approximately 20 feet from where he left the vehicle resulting in severe head trauma.

Mr. Deibler was flown to the Flagstaff Medical Center by Native Air medical transport where he was subsequently pronounced deceased. The second vehicle occupant was taken to the Yavapai Regional Medical Center by Lifeline Medical transport where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Deputies are investigating the possibility that impairment from the consumption of alcohol or other substances may have played a role in this collision. Investigators are attempting to determine which of the two occupants was driving at the time of the collision. No enforcement action has been take at this time.

The deceased victim was taken to the office of the Coconino County Medical Examiner for further examination and investigation.

Arizona Department of Public Safety Officers assisted with this investigation. Additional agencies that responded and assisted with patient care, the collision investigation, or scene management include the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, Chino Fire Department, and the Ash Fork Fire Department.

Plane Crash in Northern Arizona Claims Two Lives

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Photo courtesy of the Coconino County SheriffCOCONINO COUNTY – A missing aircraft crashed in a remote area of the Navajo Indian Reservation in the northeast part of Coconino County. Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and Detectives along with Arizona Department of Public Safety Ranger Helicopter responded to the scene and confirmed two people were deceased.

The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) had been investigating the report of an overdue aircraft with two males aboard destined for South Carolina. The AFRCC found the aircraft had departed Las Vegas, NV sometime Friday June 20, 2014, landed in Page, AZ and then departed Page at 1:30 pm Arizona time. The pilot had not filed a flight plan. The AFRCC found the last cell phone contact with the pilot’s phone was off a tower at Navajo Mountain shortly after the take- off from Page. The AFRCC then contact the Civil Air Patrol Wings from several states, who launched a multi-state search Sunday morning June 21, 2014.

Four Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Wings were involved in the search across four states, including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. A ground search team was deployed to Tuba City from Arizona, and a Communications Team from Colorado was deployed to Page. At around 1:40 pm Arizona time, the Arizona Wing of the CAP located from the air the wreckage of a plane in a canyon. Wreckage matching the description of the missing aircraft was at the bottom of a remote desert area called Peach Canyon.

Sheriff’s detectives were transported to the scene by the Arizona Department of Public Safety Ranger Helicopter based out of Flagstaff. Due to the remote nature of the canyon, access to the wreckage could only be made by helicopter. The bodies of the deceased were removed and transported to the medical examiner’s office in Flagstaff.

While positive identification of the victims will be made by the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office, the pilot is believed to be 47 year old Charles Trotter of Liberty, SC and the passenger is believed to be 15 year old Dakota Jacks from Pickens, SC. Dakota is reported to be a friend of the pilot’s family. The cause of the crash will be investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Slide Fire Community Meeting Planned planned for tomorrow

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Slide Fire Information Facebook photo

Slide Fire Information Facebook photo

SEDONA – A community meeting is scheduled in Sedona to discuss the possibility of flooding from the Slide Fire during the monsoon season. The meeting will be held tomorrow—Thursday, June 19 from 4 to 6 pm—at the Sedona Red Rock High School Performing Arts Center; 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road.

The meeting will be conducted by the City of Sedona, Coconino and Yavapai counties, and the cooperative agencies which assisted in fighting the human-caused blaze. Residents will receive an update on the U.S. Forest Service’s Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment of the Slide Fire. Attendees will also learn how multiple agencies have spent the past several weeks assessing Oak Creek Canyon properties in anticipation of possible monsoonal flooding this summer.

A video recording of the meeting will be posted June 20 at the Coconino County YouTube Channel for those unable to attend the meeting. A link to the video will be posted at the Coconino County Post-Slide Fire Information web page.

The Slide Fire began May 20 just north of Slide Rock State Park and charred more than 21,000 acres north of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. The fire was fully contained on June 6. Investigation into the start of the fire is still on-going.