Thomas, Aubuchon disbarred, Alexander suspended

Former Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas and former prosecutor Lisa Aubuchon are to be disbarred on May 10, as per a finding by Arizona Supreme Court Presiding Disciplinary Judge William O’Neil. Rachel Alexander, a deputy prosecutor under Thomas, is to be suspended from law for six months and one day. The extra day is added to her punishment of six months require her to apply to the Bar for full reinstatement.

O’Neil announced that the panel had reached clear and convincing findings on the final 26 claims.

The findings stem from the accusation that Thomas brought criminal cases against County Supervisors Don Stapley and Mary Rose Wilcox to embarrass them. He was accused of bringing bribery and obstruction of justice charges against then-Superior Court Judge Gary Donahoe when Thomas knew the allegations were false.

All three cases were dismissed after a judge ruled that Thomas prosecuted one of the officials for political gain and had a conflict of interest in pressing the case.

Judge O’Neil read a summary of the charges and verdicts. The Judge found that the disciplinary panel could not determine by clear and convincing evidence whether Thomas violated attorney discipline canons on two of three counts related to his disputes with the Board of Supervisors over the use of outside counsel. However, the panel found that there was clear and convincing evidence of ethical lapses, conflicts of interest and a variety of abuses.

Thomas, Aubuchon and Alexander did not attend the proceeding.

The former prosecutors have the option of appealing their punishments to the Arizona Supreme Court, and requesting a stay of punishments is an option. Appeals must be filed within 10 days.

About ADI Staff Reporter 12168 Articles
Under the leadership of Editor-in -Chief Huey Freeman, our team of staff reporters bring accurate,timely, and complete news coverage.