Maricopa County Attorney Adel won’t resign, says she ‘vehemently disagrees’ with characterization

PHOENIX — Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel on Tuesday fought back against calls for her to resign over continued concerns that she hasn’t been able to perform the duties of the job while battling alcoholism and other health problems.

“As has been reported in the media, five attorneys in my office have submitted a letter asking me to resign,” Adel said in a statement. “While I respect their opinion, I vehemently disagree with the characterization of me in this letter and I have no plans to resign.

“I am honored to have been duly elected county attorney and will continue to perform my duties as I was elected to do.”

Five MCAO criminal division chiefs sent the four-page letter Monday to Adel asking for her resignation, accusing the Republican of continuing to drink following treatment and letting the problem bleed into her work performance.

The letter, which was also sent to Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates, details a number of issues the prosecutors have experienced since Adel’s rehab stint in August and September.

Among the concerns was a lack of change following a Nov. 30 meeting to discuss drinking concerns with her, where Adel admitted to relapsing on two occasions, according to the letter.

During the meeting, the chiefs asked Adel to be more present in the office in order to alleviate concerns about her job performance, a request she agreed with but hasn’t executed, the letter said.

More recently, an MCAO bureau chief said an 11 a.m. Monday phone call with Adel led him to report that the county attorney “displayed obvious signs of impairment during the conversation.”

“In an office of over 1000 employees, it is not surprising that there are some who do not agree with every decision I make,” Adel said. “I accept the current challenge with humility and will continue to do what I think is right and just for the citizens of this community.”

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