Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel out of rehab, plans to return to work

PHOENIX — Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel is out of rehab with plans to return to work on Monday.

Adel spoke to The Arizona Republic on Friday just one week after announcing she had entered a rehab facility for unhealthy coping behaviors.

Although publicly announcing she had made an effort to receive help last week, Adel has been in treatment for 19 days since Aug. 29, Adel said to The Arizona Republic.

“This isn’t like you go to some magical place and they wave a wand,” Adel said. “It is a lifelong journey and I’m committed to it.”

Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone said that he learned Adel was attempting to do her job while still in rehab.

Penzone said that it was her duty to tell the county Board of Supervisors where Adel had been, giving them 24 hours to report and recommended Adel take a leave of absence.

Earlier this week, the Maricopa County Democratic Party called on Adel to resign.

“I am home with my family and look forward to returning to office on Monday,” Adel said in a statement. “I continue to make my recovery a priority but have been cleared by my medical team to return to work.

“The outpouring of support has been a wonderful reminder that there is so much good in this community. Nobody suffering from mental health issues should feel alone. My own journey has reaffirmed my commitment to a treatment first approach to prosecution and I am committed to continuing the work of the county attorney’s office.”

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