ARIZONA NEWS

Maricopa County Attorney Adel to go on leave to address health problems

Sep 10, 2021, 2:46 PM

PHOENIX — Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel announced Friday she would go on leave to address several health problems.

Adel, in a statement, said she was seeking treatment for anxiety and “unhealthy coping behaviors,” including an eating disorder and alcohol use.

Adel said she would remain in daily contact with her leadership team during her absence.

“For most, this is a private journey but as an elected official I know I am held to a different standard,” Adel said. “At this time, I ask for patience as I seek to better myself for my family, my friends and our community.”

Adel’s announcement comes after a tumultuous year for the Republican.

She was hospitalized for a brain injury on Election Day in November 2020 after she fell at home, according to her office.

She underwent emergency surgery for bleeding in the brain and has since been recovering.

Adel defeated Democratic challenger Julie Gunnigle in the 2020 election to retain her position after she was appointed to replace Bill Montgomery, who left for a seat on the state Supreme Court.

“I know that if I am to be successful in my recovery, I must be honest and hold myself accountable,” Adel said. “I have a challenging journey ahead to do better and be better for my friends, family, staff, this community and ultimately myself.

“I hope that you will find it in your hearts to give me the opportunity.”

In June, Adel’s office filed a motion to dismiss all charges without prejudice that accused protesters of being gang members during an October event last year.

Phoenix police and MCAO prosecutors told a grand jury the protesters met the definition of a criminal street gang because they wore mostly black, carried umbrellas and chanted “All Cops are Bastards,” according to court records obtained by ABC15’s Dave Biscobing.

Prosecutors also testified the protesters could be compared to gangs such as the Bloods, Crips and Hells Angels, Biscobing said in his report.

A week before Adel’s office filed the motion, a judge dismissed the charges with prejudice — meaning prosecutors could refile charges — and called out officials for their “absurd,” “baffling,” and “disingenuous” conduct, according to Biscobing.

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

Silver Alert issued for 68-year-old man last seen in Phoenix...

KTAR.com

Silver Alert issued for missing 68-year-old man last seen in Phoenix

A Silver Alert has been issued for a missing 68-year-old man named Gregory Nathan Wascher who was last seen in Phoenix on Wednesday.

1 hour ago

APS energy customers will soon see another rate increase....

Kevin Stone

Here’s why APS energy customers will soon see another rate increase

APS energy customers will soon see another rate increase after state regulators signed off on a proposed adjustment this week.

2 hours ago

A man died after being pulled from a house fire in Phoenix's Arcadia neighborhood on Friday morning...

Kevin Stone

Man dead after house fire in Phoenix’s Arcadia neighborhood

A man died after being pulled from a house fire in Phoenix's Arcadia neighborhood on Friday morning, authorities said.

3 hours ago

off-road vehicle crash...

Kevin Stone

1 teen killed, another seriously injured in off-road vehicle crash at Phoenix canal

One teenager was killed and another was seriously injured in an off-road vehicle crash at a Phoenix canal on Thursday evening, authorities said.

4 hours ago

A new report found one-third of Arizona public grade school students are chronically absent from sc...

Balin Overstolz

Chronic absentee rate for Arizona students remains far above pre-pandemic level, study finds

A new report found one-third of Arizona public grade school students are chronically absent from school, which is double the absence rate before the pandemic.

6 hours ago

Katie Hobbs southern border...

Danny Shapiro

Arizona Gov. Hobbs says she welcomes help as more active-duty military head to southern border

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is inviting more help at the southern border as more active-duty military are set to be deployed to the state.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Maricopa County Attorney Adel to go on leave to address health problems