ARIZONA NEWS

Sentencing postponed for retired Arizona prisons boss who pleaded no-contest in armed standoff

Jan 11, 2024, 6:00 PM

Arizona prisons chief Charles Ryan court case update...

Retired Arizona Corrections Director Charles Ryan pauses in the courtroom after pleading no contest to a disorderly conduct charge in a plea agreement at Maricopa County Superior Court, Nov. 14, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, Pool, File)

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, Pool, File)

PHOENIX (AP) — Sentencing was postponed Thursday for former Arizona prisons chief Charles Ryan on his no-contest plea to a disorderly conduct charge stemming from a 2022 armed standoff at his Tempe home.

The postponement occurred because Ryan’s lawyer requested a separate hearing to present evidence favorable to his client. It’s unclear whether Ryan will be sentenced after the Feb. 9 mitigation hearing or whether the punishment will be imposed later.

Police say Ryan fired a gun inside his home and pointed a firearm at two officers during the three-hour standoff. Outside of court Thursday, Ryan declined to comment to reporters.

What the Arizona prisons chief is facing in court

The plea agreement for Ryan, who retired as corrections director in September 2019, calls for a sentence of probation and an $8,500 payment to cover the Tempe Police Department’s costs in conducting the investigation. The offense carries a maximum sentence of up to two years in prison.

Police were called to Ryan’s house Jan. 6, 2022, on a report that he had shot himself in the hand. Police later revealed that the hand injury was caused by a less-than-lethal projectile fired by police after Ryan pointed a handgun at officers. They say the projectile was found during surgery.

Ryan also was injured when he fired his gun before police arrived. He apparently suffered a cut to the forehead after a bullet hit a bathroom sink and sent a splinter of porcelain flying.

Police reports say Ryan had consumed half a bottle of tequila before officers arrived at his property. Police say he slurred his words, was antagonistic toward a negotiator and did not know why officers were there or what had happened to his injured hand.

Ryan told police he didn’t remember pointing a gun at officers. He acknowledged drinking tequila that evening, though he said he had just two shots.

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

Election Day bomb threats...

Serena O'Sullivan

Bomb threats that may have come from Russia target 4 Arizona polling locations

Four polling locations in Navajo County were targeted by Election Day bomb threats from Russian email domains, according to the FBI.

2 hours ago

...

KTAR Video

Video: LIVE: Election Day Coverage 2024 with KTAR News’ Chris & Joe Show

LIVE: Election Day 2024 coverage with KTAR News’ Chris & Joe Show

4 hours ago

A Silver Alert was issued for Timothy Roberts on Nov. 5, 2024....

KTAR.com

Silver Alert issued for missing Phoenix man with cognitive condition

Authorities issued a Silver Alert on Tuesday for a missing Phoenix man who suffers from a cognitive condition.

5 hours ago

Shooting involving police in Phoenix...

KTAR.com

Suspect ‘down’ after shooting involving police in central Phoenix

A suspect was "down" after a midday shooting involving police in central Phoenix on Tuesday, authorities said.

6 hours ago

...

KTAR Video

Video: Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer talks Election Day

Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer joined The Mike Broomhead Show to talk about Election Day, and what a huge undertaking it is to tabulate votes.

6 hours ago

...

KTAR Video

Video: Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer talks Election Day

Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer joined The Mike Broomhead Show to talk about Election Day and what a huge undertaking it is to tabulate votes.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Morris Hall

West Hunsaker, through Morris Hall, supports Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona

KTAR’s Community Spotlight this month focuses on Morris Hall and its commitment to supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona.

...

Midwestern University

Midwestern University Clinics – Providing Comprehensive, Thorough and Unrushed Healthcare to the Valley Community

With so many options for healthcare in the Valley, why should you choose a clinic that has graduate medical students integrated into the patient experience?

...

Dr. Shanyn Lancaster, Family & Sports Medicine physician, Midwestern University Comprehensive Care Clinic – Central Phoenix

Exercise is truly your best medicine

“You never slow down, you never grow old”. – Tom Petty

Sentencing postponed for retired Arizona prisons boss who pleaded no-contest in armed standoff