An udpate on our investigation into the Pima County Attorney's use of anti-racketeering funds.
Pima County Supervisor Sharon Bronson wanted to stop all RICO spending -- until an independent review is completed. She put the discussion on Tuesday's agenda.
Bronson said she's since learned the board does not have the authority to request an audit -- only the Pima County Attorney's Office can do that. Legal experts raised red flags after our investigation uncovered questionable expenditures -- including thousands of dollars to non-profit agencies.
Ramon Valadez did not agree to an audit at the last board meeting. Supervisor Ally Miller asked Legal Administrator David Smutzer if the County Attorney's Office would object to using its RICO funds for an independent review.
Miller: It can be use for an audit if you use that.
Smutzer: An agency can untilize its RICO funds for that purpose, yeah.
Miller: So do you object to using those funds for that purpose?
Smutzer: Madam Chair I do not object to that, no.
Valadez: We also heard that it wasn't at the County Attorney Office but we're going after the County Attorney's Office. So my question is what's the end game in this. I don't get it. >
We reached out to the County Attorney's Office for a response on whether it will seek an audit. We haven't heard back yet.
Bronson tells KGUN9 that the majority of the board members are in agreement to pursue an independent audit and it's just a matter of when and how. She says it's critical to ensure transparency and restore public trust.
We'll continue to investigate.
