Legal Tensions Escalate Between Pinal County Board and County Attorney
The Pinal County Board of Supervisors is embroiled in an escalating legal battle with County Attorney Brad Miller. The board has accused Miller of potential conflicts of interest, which has intensified the ongoing power struggle between the two parties.
According to state law, Miller serves as the attorney for the board. However, in a unanimous vote this week, the board declared that Miller might have conflicts regarding his “ethical obligations to the Board of Supervisors” and the manner in which his office’s investigators wield their law enforcement power.
This decision coincides with an ongoing legal dispute over Miller’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
In response to the board’s actions, Miller has criticized the supervisors for what he described as “frivolous legal actions targeting the County Attorney’s Office, the very office the voters of Pinal County elected to enforce the law and protect public safety.”
Miller also highlighted that the board has spent approximately $257,000 on external legal assistance in their confrontation with his office.
“At a time when residents expect their government to prioritize safety, accountability, and results, this diversion of public funds raises serious concerns about the Board’s priorities,” Miller stated.
The board has given Miller a deadline until noon on Friday to address the claim of a conflict of interest. Should he fail to do so, the board intends to engage an outside attorney, through the county manager, to represent them.
A spokesperson for Miller’s office indicated that he has not yet responded directly to the board, instead referring inquiries to his earlier statement issued before the voting took place.
The Board of Supervisors initiated a lawsuit against Miller following his decision to enter a 287(g) agreement with ICE last year. This agreement permits the county attorney’s staff to question and arrest individuals based on their immigration status.
Typically, such agreements are reserved for federal partnerships with county sheriffs, not county attorneys. The supervisors assert that Miller required their approval prior to signing the agreement, a point that Miller has contested.
This lawsuit has been relocated to the Maricopa County Superior Court and is currently active.
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