September 2026

Pima County Attorney’s Office Secures Nearly $9.7 Million in Reimbursements for Taxpayers

The Pima County Attorney’s Office is proud to announce the recovery of millions of dollars in taxpayer funds from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following litigation in federal court.

PCAO’s Civil Division attorneys joined the cities of Denver and Chicago to file a lawsuit seeking reimbursement for funds that had been awarded to Pima County as part of the Shelter and Services Program (SSP).The Pima County Attorney’s Office has recouped close to $9.7 million dollars in federal funds owed to the County.

Pima County Attorney’s Office Announces the Capture of Convicted Fugitive Regarding 11,000 Pounds of Dangerously Trafficked Marijuana

Pima County Attorney Laura Conover shared this press release prepared by the U.S. Marshals Service:

Jorge Lamadrid-Carranza, wanted on Arizona and Michigan warrants dating to 2009, has been returned to the United States following his arrest in Mexico nearly three years ago.

U.S. Marshals Service personnel confirmed Lamadrid-Carranza’s location in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Mexican authorities apprehended him on October 16, 2023. Following extradition proceedings, he was returned to the United States by U.S. Marshals Service Deputies on September 24 and brought to Arizona to address his Pima County case. The U.S. Marshals Service is coordinating with Pima County authorities and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan regarding the applicable warrants and court proceedings.

Pima County Attorney Statement on Good Samaritan Homicide Sentencing

Pima County Attorney Laura Conover released this statement about the sentencing for the murder of a Good Samaritan, Paul Clifford:



“From the beginning, we knew that this case would be difficult to prosecute and heavily reliant on critical eyewitness testimony. And what we knew more than anything was that the shooter had proven himself to be a tremendous ongoing threat of harm. It was not surprising that the homicide panel decided we should pursue life in prison without the possibility of parole. We are very selective and careful before sending someone to prison to die there, but this case qualified under our rigorous criteria.

I am deeply grateful to our Prosecution team, Victim Services Advocates, and law enforcement partners for their extraordinary work and dedication throughout this difficult and high-risk case.

Most importantly, our hearts remain with the Clifford family and those who loved him. I send my deepest condolences and peace to them.”



Laura Conover

Pima County Attorney

Pima County Attorney Update on Mail-In Voting Litigation

TUCSON, AZ (Sept 14)— Pima County Attorney Laura Conover has released the following statement in keeping her promise to update the community regarding mail-in voting litigation.

"On September 9th, we joined an amicus brief in United States Postal Service, et al., v. California, et al. (No. 26A305), filed in the United States Supreme Court by a bipartisan group of 81 current and former state and local election officials and 19 local jurisdictions charged with the responsibility of administering elections."

PCAO Joins with Public Rights Project on Upcoming November Election

Sam Brown, PCAO Chief of Civil, recently met with the Public Rights Project, local election officials, and city and county attorneys to go over the federal monitoring that took place during the primary election.

We heard from jurisdictions monitored by the DOJ between 2022 up through the 2026 primary, reviewed anticipated actions from federal monitors for the upcoming general election, and examined best practices for preparing for the November election.

Learn more about the Public Rights Project: Partnering with Local Governments.

We are recognizing the hardworking and winning teams here at PCAO for everything they do in the courtroom. Here are some of the convictions from the month.

On September 30, 2025, a man dropped off his 2024 Toyota 4Runner at a local dealership for repairs. Minutes later, as he was leaving the dealership, someone jumped into his SUV and drove away. The dealership contacted him to ask about the location of the vehicle, and it was confirmed that the SUV had been stolen. Electronic surveillance to track the vehicle was initiated by the AZ Dept. of Public Safety (DPS) and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) by noon on October 1, 2025.

Later that same day, detectives with the Tucson Police Department (TPD) Auto Theft Task Force spotted the stolen SUV with the defendant driving at high speeds across town.

The defendant was charged with felony burglary and auto theft. While auto theft cases can be difficult to prosecute, the dedicated work of our prosecutors, trial team, and investigators helped secure the conviction.

We want to thank prosecutor Alex Kleinjan, paralegal Jaqueline Cheang, and detectives from the various jurisdictions for their multi-agency collaboration throughout the investigation and prosecution of this case.

“This was Alex’s first trial involving all three taskforce teams from: TPD, DPS, and PCSD. There were some tough challenges to overcome in this case, but the testimony and collaboration with and between detectives helped us secure this much-needed conviction. We are also glad the victim was able to recover his SUV,” said County Attorney Laura Conover.

9-11 Tower Challenge

The Pima County Attorney’s Office honored and remembered the lives lost and the selfless sacrifices made 25 years ago on September 11.

Members of our office were proud to stand alongside fellow Pima County employees, first responders, military service members, veterans, and community members at the 911 Tower Challenge to pay our respects and keep their memory alive.

We will never forget.

Pascua Yaqui 48th Annual Tribal Recognition Day

County Attorney Conover spoke at the 48th Annual #PascuaYaqui Tribal Recognition Day. She spoke of the importance of checking their voter registration for this upcoming November election. It was an awesome way to connect with our community!

88-Crime Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner

The 88-Crime Board of Directors hosted the annual Law Enforcement Appreciation event, bringing together community leaders, program sponsors, and public safety partners to celebrate the dedication of our local law enforcement officers!

88-Crime Program Coordinator, James Allerton, served as Master of Ceremonies, keeping the event moving and introducing our lineup of speakers. We heard remarks from Acting U.S. Marshal Van Bayless and 88-Crime Board Vice President David Samarano, followed by a closing keynote delivered by Pima County Attorney Laura Conover.

Each of these speakers took time to share program highlights, thank our officers for their service to our community, and recognize some remarkable awardees going above and beyond the call of duty. 

Celebrating Six CMPS Court Graduates

PCAO Staff had the privilege of celebrating six individuals who successfully completed Consolidated Misdemeanor Problem Solving (CMPS, or “Compass”) Court.

Their graduation represents hard work, accountability, perseverance, and a commitment to positive change. Through recovery, skill-building, and community support, each graduate took meaningful steps toward greater stability and a healthier future.

CMPS Court provides an alternative to incarceration for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use needs, with a focus on recovery, reducing recidivism, strengthening relationships, and successful community reintegration.

PCAO is grateful to Judge Berning, our treatment providers, peer support specialists, case managers, attorneys, court staff, community partners, and families whose collaboration and dedication help make these successes possible.

PCAO Wears Purple for DV Awareness Month

PCAO staff showed their Purple to honor and support the victims and survivors of domestic violence. Everyone deserves a life free from abuse. You are not alone. If you or someone you know needs help, confidential support is available 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), texting "START" to 88788, or visiting thehotline.org.

PCAO at the Annual "Burrito Run"

PCAO staff were up bright and early at Mission Manor Park for the annual Burrito Run!

Hosted by the Sunnyside Health Foundation as part of Sunnyside Gives Week, the event brings multigenerational and multilingual families together to celebrate health, wellness and community.

Families had the opportunity to connect with local health and wellness organizations, discover valuable resources and start the day with a little movement and a lot of community spirit. We were happy to be part of it!

Now Hiring

We recruit legal researchers, litigators, and professional staff who use their unique talents to move our Office forward. You’re invited to apply to work for a progressive prosecuting agency that values accountability, public service, and outcome-driven thinking.

We offer excellent work-life balance, great incentives, and a generous benefits package, including:

• Healthcare Options
• Paid Leave Options
• Flexible Work Arrangements
• Retirement Benefits
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Tuition Discount Program
• Employee Loan Program
• Employee Referral Incentive Program
• Wellness Program with up to $75 monthly medical premium discounts
• Employee discounts for fitness clubs, goods, and services

Pima County provides equal access and equal opportunity in employment and services and does not discriminate. Click on the button below to view all open PCAO positions.