Maricopa County Attorney's Office

Silence about domestic violence teaches the next generation that it's normal. This #DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth, talk openly about it and teach kids what healthy relationships look like. Watch County Attorney Rachel Mitchell explain why talking about it matters. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. For local resources visit maricopacountyattorney.org/D….

Justice years in the making. This afternoon, Essa Williams was sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 25 years for the attempted murder of Phoenix Police Officer Tyler Moldovan. County Attorney @Rachel1Mitchell shares her thoughts. Watch the full statement below.

Essa Williams has been sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 25 years for the attempted murder of @PhoenixPolice Officer Tyler Moldovan. “I will never forget the day Officer Moldovan was nearly killed, as I was one of the prosecutors who responded to the scene that early morning. Etched in my memory is the state in which Officer Moldovan was left after being riddled with bullets. Officer Moldovan’s recovery is a miracle and due in great part to the doctors and nurses, and of course, his family and friends who have stood by his side throughout the last five years. As to prosecutors Linda Garcia and Evelyn Hernandez and their team, their selfless work toward achieving justice is exemplary and deserving of the highest recognition.” - County Attorney @Rachel1Mitchell Read more about this case here: ow.ly/RlX65101yZN

Robert Celifie has been sentenced to natural life in prison for orchestrating the murder of Ilya “Mike the Barber” Shimonov. The victim operated a mobile barber shop and had just completed a haircut appointment when he was fatally shot. “This defendant may not have been the one who pulled the trigger, but through his actions he condemned this victim to death just the same. Thanks to the work of @ScottsdalePD and prosecutor Richard Dusterhoft, this violent individual will spend the rest of his life in prison.” - County Attorney @Rachel1Mitchell “The resolution of this case reflects the exceptional work, determination, and persistence of our Scottsdale detectives and the many law enforcement partners who assisted in this complex, multistate investigation. I am proud of their efforts and grateful to the County Attorney’s Office for helping bring this case to a successful conclusion. Most importantly, we hope this outcome brings some measure of justice and peace to the victim’s family.” – Scottsdale Police Chief, Joe LeDuc Read the full story here: ow.ly/TZXL51014sb

THIS THURSDAY! Dinner, community, and resources for your family 🍽️ Join us in Maryvale for a Spanish-language Drug Forum. Come hungry, leave informed, and connect with the resources and people who can help keep our families and neighborhoods safe. 📅 Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026 🕒 Time: 6:00-8:00 PM 📍 Location: Marc T. Atkinson Middle School Gym (Steve Gallardo Event Center) 🍎 Food and drinks provided! This event is free and open to the public. Families are welcome, and we encourage you to bring yours!

Mahrion Alexio Mendonca has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the vicious attack on four unhoused individuals in Phoenix. One of the victims, a 74-year-old, died days later at a local hospital. “The brutality of this crime is difficult to overstate. Some of the victims were sleeping and did nothing to provoke this violence. One man lost his life in a brutal hammer attack, and three other victims were left with physical and psychological injuries they will have to live with for the rest of their lives. While this sentence cannot restore what was lost or erase the pain these victims carry, it holds the defendant accountable for the profound harm he caused.” - County Attorney @Rachel1Mitchell

Shawn Hantke* has been indicted for forging receipts to collect money through his child’s ESA account. Between December 2024 and August 2025, Hantke submitted three forged receipts to the Arizona Department of Education for musical instruments. Each receipt also contained a shipping tracking number that was for a delivery made before the order was alleged to have been placed. In total, Hantke was reimbursed more than $4,000. A grand jury indicted him on one count of Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices, a Class Two Felony, and three counts of Forgery, a Class Four Felony. *A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Kishawn Porter* has been indicted for the death of his girlfriend’s 2-year-old son in Mesa. Read more about this case here: ow.ly/LTF850ZYbN0 *A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Behind every act of courage is a community ready to help with what comes next. Today, we’re proud to be part of that community, and wearing purple is one small way we say we’re here for you. 💜 #PurpleThursday

In August 2025, a 12-year-old in Mesa called 911 for help. Police arrived to find his mother critically injured after an attack by her boyfriend, Tyler Riddle. Learn more about what happened that night, how she survived, and the victim advocate that helped her through it all. Watch the full video here: youtu.be/8QeoR1el03I If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, there is support. Please visit maricopacountyattorney.org/D….

Tyler Riddle has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the violent assault of his girlfriend in Mesa. “Thanks to the bravery of her kids and the quick response by the Mesa Police Officers who arrived at the scene, this victim survived her attack and can find a measure of peace knowing this defendant has been held accountable,” said County Attorney @Rachel1Mitchell “Domestic violence is rarely an isolated incident; abusers routinely escalate their behavior from emotional manipulation to near lethal physical violence,” said @MesaPD Chief Dan Butler. “This is a just sentence for a dangerous defendant and thanks to our officers’ quick and decisive action that night, the victim survived and is safe from further violence.” Read more about this case here: ow.ly/fBif50ZXoSx

We're working every day to keep dangerous drugs out of our neighborhoods, but we need your help. Join our Spanish Drug Forum in Maryvale to learn what's happening, get connected to resources, and protect your family. Spanish Drug Forum 📅 Thursday, October 29, 2026 🕒 6:00–8:00 PM 📍Marc T. Atkinson Middle School Gym (Steve Gallardo Event Center)

Imagine leaving your home in a life‑or‑death moment and having to abandon everything meaningful you own. That’s the reality many domestic violence victims face. This morning on National Coffee with a Cop Day, MCAO joined @PVPolice to connect with residents to highlight Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Our Family Violence Bureau Chief spoke about warning signs, current trends, and the challenges that come with prosecuting domestic violence cases. #DVAM

Looking for an accounting role where you can make a real impact? Our Finance Division is looking for an experienced accountant to join their team. If you have experience with government finance, auditing, grant accounting, and budgeting, we want to hear from you! Apply today: ow.ly/Bfst50ZTHMk

James Amalfi has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of Manslaughter, a Class Two Felony. “This defendant knew the fentanyl he was supplying could cause a fatal overdose and sold it anyway. Two children have lost their father, a wife has lost her husband, and a family is left with a devastating loss. Thanks to the work of prosecutor David Hanselman, this defendant received one of the highest penalties we’ve seen in cases of this type and will now spend two decades in prison.” - County Attorney @Rachel1Mitchell Read more about this case here: ow.ly/atST50ZTjSX

This morning, MCAO welcomed an international delegation of criminal justice professionals from Central and South America for a roundtable hosted with Global Ties Arizona! Members of our leadership team shared insight into the office's role in the U.S. criminal justice system, including prosecutorial discretion, charging decisions, our K9 victim advocacy program, and partnerships with other law enforcement agencies. Exchanges like these promote citizen diplomacy and highlight the value of global collaboration. Thank you for visiting our office!

Honored to join Maricopa County Supervisor @MarkStewart_AZ at Stronger Together: Growing Up in a Digital World, where MCAO's Sex Crimes Bureau Chief spoke on a panel addressing internet safety and its impact on youth mental health. Working together, we can help families navigate the online world more safely.