ARIZONA NEWS

Former Arizona prison guard union boss gets 18 months in theft case

Aug 20, 2021, 4:01 PM

(Pexels Photo)...

(Pexels Photo)

(Pexels Photo)

PHOENIX (AP) — The former president of the union that represents Arizona’s corrections officers has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for embezzling money from the union treasury, the Arizona Attorney General’s office announced Friday.

Darren Sikes, 60, was president of the Arizona Correctional Peace Officers Association from 2016 to 2019 and used the union’s funds for personal expenses.

He was ordered to repay $134,000 to the union after spending the money on items including a patio for his home and a vehicle.

Sikes pleaded guilty to three felonies, including fraud and theft, and was sentenced on Thursday.

Sikes’ daughter, Samantha Sikes, 25, was also charged and convicted. She was formerly the union’s secretary and also pleaded guilty in July to fraud and two theft counts.

She was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay restitution of $23,074 to the union, according to court records.

Darren Sikes was ousted after other union members began to suspect he and others were illegally tapping union funds.

The other union members made a report to the attorney general’s office, according to a 2019 report from ABC15.

A phone message seeking comment from the union wasn’t immediately returned on Friday. The union represents many of Arizona’s approximately 5,000 state corrections officers.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona News

Reusable serveware now in use at Phoenix Convention Center...

Serena O'Sullivan

Phoenix Convention Center to introduce reusable food and drink packaging

Head to the Phoenix Convention Center and you'll notice you can now eat and drink from reusable serveware when attending events.

22 minutes ago

Peoria Police department...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Peoria police search for vandals who caused $30-40K worth of park damage

The Peoria Police Department is asking the public for help in finding the suspect responsible for vandalizing and causing tens of thousands of dollars of damage to a local park.

11 hours ago

Phoenix-Pittsburgh nonstop flight offered through Allegiant...

Serena O'Sullivan

Fly high: Phoenix travelers getting new nonstop flight option for Pittsburgh through Allegiant

Planning a business trip? You can now book a Phoenix-Pittsburgh nonstop flight through Allegiant at Sky Harbor International Airport.

12 hours ago

fentanyl pills, fentanyl bust Phoenix...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Phoenix man charged after police seized 100,000 fentanyl pills

A man in Phoenix was pulled over by police during a routine traffic stop, which led to the seizure of about 100,000 blue fentanyl pills.

13 hours ago

Thomas Galvin AZ Political Podcast...

Jim Sharpe

AZ Political Podcast: Thomas Galvin on public funding for sports teams, speed of election results

On this week's edition of AZ Political Podcast, Thomas Galvin discusses public funding for sports teams and how election results can be sped up.

14 hours ago

US 60 between Superior and Miami will be closed until Friday due to blasting work that was performe...

David Veenstra

US 60 between Superior, Miami reopens following blasting

US 60 between Superior and Miami has reopened following blasting work that was performed in the area.

15 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Former Arizona prison guard union boss gets 18 months in theft case