Maricopa County Attorney Alister Adel on March 21 announced her resignation after she failed to file 180 misdemeanor criminal case charges on time.
Adel's resignation was accepted by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors hours after her announcement was made and they voted to hold a special election to fill Adel's position, according to AZ Family.
“Today, I announce my decision to resign as the Maricopa County Attorney effective Friday, March 25, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.," Adel said, according to AZ Family. "Voters supported me in November 2020 as the first woman elected to be Maricopa County Attorney, and it is an honor I will always cherish. I am proud of the many accomplishments of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office during my tenure."
Top deputies in Adel's office in February requested that Adel resign in a three-page letter that questioned her sobriety, extended work absences and for her judgment or lack thereof, according to AZ Family. The letter was sent from the State Bar of Arizona and the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Adel responded to the letter by saying she would not resign.
AZ Family reports that on March 15, Gov. Doug Ducey criticized Adel for the 180 dropped criminal cases, saying she needs to take accountability for her actions and to stop blaming her team. Despite being critical of Adel, he still wished her the best on Twitter.
"Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel made a difficult, brave and very personal decision," Ducey said in a March 21 Tweet. "I respect her choice and wish her and her family the best. I want to thank her for her service to the people of Maricopa County."
According to KJZZ, Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates said he appreciated Adel's service to Maricopa County residents and that she brought fresh ideas and important reforms to the office.
“I want to thank the employees of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office," Adel said, according to AZFamily.com. "I value and respect the work and dedication you give to this office. Few people genuinely realize or appreciate how hard this work is or how committed you are to serving the greater good, but I do. Thank you to family, friends, colleagues, and voters who have offered their support and encouragement to me, either publicly or privately. Expressing my gratitude will never be sufficient, but please know that you have been heard and that I am thankful.”
According to AZ Central, Adel spent her last day as Maricopa County attorney in the hospital at the Mayo Clinic.
