County attorney indicted by grand jury in Arizona

(The Center Square) – Apache County Attorney Michael Whiting is facing charges for alleged harassment, sending a anonymous threatening message, not properly using taxpayer dollars, "theft," tampering public records and "conflict of interest" as part of an indictment announced by Attorney General Kris Mayes' office on Tuesday in a mix of misdemeanor and felony counts.

When it came to public monies being misused, the indictment alleges that over $5,000 was used to make t-shirts for Joyclynn Whiting's "Spelling for Success" as she is Apache County School Superintendent and Michael's wife.

Notably, the couple also allegedly used public funds to buy a 2023 Ford Expedition for nearly $80,000 with superintendent funds, and Greer also allegedly made thousands in unnecessary purchases, including for fitness equipment, for his boss.

She is also facing two felony counts – one of "misuse of public monies" and another for "conflict of interest." The county attorney's assistant, Daryl Greer, is also charged with two felony and two misdemeanor counts for "misuse of public monies, harassment, and sending a threatening or anonymous letter."

"Public officials are entrusted with the responsibility to serve their communities with integrity and honesty," Mayes said in a statement. "When that trust is violated, it undermines public confidence in the workings of government. These are serious allegations, and my office is committed to ensuring a thorough and fair legal process as we pursue justice for the people of Apache County."

The Arizona Republic reported that some members of his staff have restraining orders against Whiting, and that he may have used his role to support a Norwegian pop star.

Apache County is a small rural county in northern Arizona, and the Attorney General's office has already been overseeing the office since a warranted search occured in June of Whiting's office.