Coconino County Attorney's Office

Coconino County Attorney’s Office Announces Formation of New Cold Case Unit FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Coconino County Attorney's Office is pleased to announce the formation of a new Cold Case Unit, a collaborative effort with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, the Flagstaff Police Department, and local police agencies. The Cold Case Unit at the Coconino County Attorney’s Office is composed of a veteran prosecutor, a paralegal, and a legal assistant. The Unit will focus on reviewing, analyzing, and prosecuting previously unsolved criminal cases, working closely with investigators and detectives at our local law enforcement agencies. “We are determined to ensure that every case, regardless of how long ago it happened, deserves justice,” said Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker. “Our Cold Case Unit reflects our unwavering commitment to work as a team with partners at the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, the Flagstaff Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies to solve cases and bring violent criminals to justice. Our law enforcement partners at the Sheriff’s Office and Police Department are using modern forensic techniques to solve cold cases, and when that happens, it is time for my office to bring charges and prosecute the case in court. Through our collaborative efforts, we are confident that we can deliver justice for victims and their families who have sought accountability for so long.” The Cold Case Unit is already reviewing cases for potential charges and working closely with detectives and investigators who are reexamining case files, utilizing advanced forensic tools, and pursuing new leads to uncover critical evidence. Through a proactive and team-oriented approach to cold cases, the County Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, the Flagstaff Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies can work together to bring closure to victims' families and to the community at large. Pictured left to right: Vanessa Arcuri – Felony Paralegal Assistant, Maisie El-Ters – Felony Trial Paralegal, Jonathan Mosher – Chief Legal Counsel

The Coconino County Attorney’s Office proudly announces our newest Civil Deputy County Attorney, Ethel Branch! Ethel was born and raised in Coconino County and has previously served as Attorney General for the Navajo Nation across two presidential administrations. As Attorney General, Ethel oversaw critical legal work involving tribal and federal matters, including addressing a major wastewater spill, aiding in the preservation of a national monument, and securing a crucial water rights settlement. We are thrilled to have this superb public servant and highly experienced advocate join our team. Welcome, Ethel!

The Coconino County Attorney’s Office marijuana expungement program is now live, and residents are encouraged to visit the Coconino County Attorney’s website for more information and to submit their requests. Those wishing to apply for expungement may visit: https://lnkd.in/gdwYdUKg

Chief Deputy County Attorney Michael Tunink welcomed Navajo Nation Peacemaking Official Roseine Charley back to the Coconino County Attorney’s Office for another installment of CCAO’s ongoing series of Diné cultural and historical seminars yesterday. Roseine spoke to CCAO’s attorneys and staff about the importance of the Sacred Mountains to the Diné (Navajo). Good to see you again, Roseine!

Members of the Coconino County Attorney’s Office are today participating in training at the High Country Training Academy at Coconino Community College in Flagstaff. Our deputy county attorneys conducted practice direct and cross examinations with police cadets. Public service is what CCAO does and it is an honor for us to help train and learn from fellow public servants.

NORTH STAR TASK FORCE LAUNCHES TO COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN NORTHERN ARIZONA FLAGSTAFF, AZ - In recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the North Star Task Force: Survivor-Informed Trafficking Awareness and Response is proud to announce its official launch, uniting key agencies and survivor-centered leadership to combat human trafficking in Northern Arizona. Comprised of the Coconino County Attorney's Office, Flagstaff Police Department, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, NAU Police Department, Northland Family Help Center, and Applejack’s Ranch, the North Star Task Force is a groundbreaking collaboration dedicated to reshaping prevention, identification, and response efforts. “The launch of the North Star Task Force is a monumental step forward for Northern Arizona,” said Coconino Sheriff Bret Axlund. “By uniting key agencies, survivor leaders, and local organizations under a common goal, we can ensure survivors have access to the care they deserve while addressing the root causes of human trafficking.” Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker added, “The fight against human trafficking requires a collective and community-driven effort. We are committed to holding traffickers accountable in the legal system to protect and support survivors of these crimes.”

Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker was officially sworn in at the Coconino County Center for the Arts alongside 12 other elected officials this past Thursday! Video of the oath and brief remarks by Mr. Barker are included in this post.

CCAO’s annual holiday white elephant gift exchange was a success, the potluck spread was objectively delicious (key witness: our stomachs), and the ugly sweater contest proved beyond reasonable doubt that our team has a keen sense of humor and style! Justice never looked so jolly! Happy holidays from CCAO!

Last Thursday, the Coconino County Attorney's Office partnered with the Coconino County Superior Court and Coconino County Health and Human Services for a special event in the City of Page. The Superior Court conducted numerous hearings--and resolved many cases--and was available to the residents of Page and neighboring areas to help with quashing warrants, applying for marriage licenses and passports, document filing, and paying of outstanding fines and fees. Also participating were Victim Witness Services for Northern Arizona, Catholic Charities, the Coconino County Public Defender's Office, and Encompass Health. At CCAO, we are dedicated to ensuring access to justice for all in Coconino County Arizona and we look forward to participating in more special court days throughout our county.

Employee spotlight: Kassidee Shaw is a Senior at Northern Arizona University, studying Criminal Justice and Psychological Sciences. Kassidee started at CCAO as a summer intern and now works as a Public Services Specialist. Reflecting on her time at CCAO, she states: "As an intern, I was able to attend court hearings and experience the trial process. I was also assigned projects to work on with the different units in the office, such as assisting with victim notification and reviewing old cases. I received genuine support as I studied for the LSAT and began my applications for law school. I find myself often reflecting on and connecting the theoretical principles I learn at NAU and the practical applications utilized at the Coconino County Attorney's Office. An internship at CCAO has not only solidified my decision to pursue a career in law, but has also given me access to those who can help me during this process."