Latest news with #RachelMitchell
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Preston's Law signed by Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, establishing 'swarming' as a felony
The Brief Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed Preston's Law on May 12. The law is named after a teen who was severely beaten at a Halloween party in October 2023 and died from his injuries days later. The law creates a new type of crime called "swarming," which will be a class 4 felony, allowing prosecutors to seek harsher punishments. PHOENIX - Preston's Law was signed by Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs on May 12. What we know "For nearly two years, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell worked alongside State Representative Matt Gress (R), and Preston Lord's parents, to gain passage of House Bill 2611. Also known as 'Preston's Law,' in memory of the 16-year-old who died at the hands of a group of teenagers in October 2023, the law creates a new category of assault and allows for tougher penalties against those who are convicted of these crimes," the Maricopa County Attorney's Office (MCAO) said. The law will amend assault statutes to create a new type of crime called "swarming." It's when three or more people attack one person, causing physical injuries. It will be a class 4 felony, allowing prosecutors to seek tougher penalties. MCAO says it's a probation-eligible offense. Big picture view "After Preston's death, the public learned of a group called the 'Gilbert Goons,' comprised mostly of teenagers who beat up other teens and young adults at parking lots, parks, and parties. It is common for Goons, and their affiliates, to post video of the assaults online and on social media," MCAO said. What they're saying Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell stated that the new law will ensure these types of beatings are treated with appropriate severity. "Preston's tragic death placed sharp focus on the need for the law to catch up with this awful trend. It's a new tool we can use to send a clear message those who commit these cowardly attacks that they will most definitely be held accountable," Mitchell said. "I am deeply grateful to legislators, staff, and supporters who worked very hard to change the law, and to the governor for giving Preston's Law her approval." What's next Preston's Law will take effect 90 days after the legislature concludes this year's session. What you can do Click here for more FOX 10 reports on Preston Lord's death, as well as other reports of teen violence.
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Daily Mail
Controversial county attorney receives unwanted gift at her home on Valentine's Day
A controversial county attorney received a disgusting package at her Arizona home just in time for Valentine's Day. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell told Phoenix police on February 14 that somebody had sent her a package containing a 'squished brown substance' she believed was feces with a white envelope that had her name on it, according to a police report originally obtained by the Phoenix New Times. 'Rachel stated that she and her husband went to dinner last night and when they got home, her husband told her there was a package at the door,' the report states. 'After bringing it inside, she opened it and found the bag.' The sender was only listed as 'AS Enterprises' from Allison Park, Pennsylvania, which Mitchell said she researched - and found that it is a service that sends feces through the mail. The company has received numerous complaints to the Better Business Bureau, which notes that it also goes by the name according to the Arizona Republic. Its website says it will send 'your friend, or enemy, a healthy heap of some of the nastiest, stinkiest, fresh poop packages that anyone has ever seen' and even offers different types of animal feces: cow, elephant and gorilla, as well as a combination 'in one big nasty mess.' AS Enterprises also assures its clients that the feces looks and smells disgusting - though it is unclear whether the company uses real dung as its website only says the 'mad scientist' who packages it knows the truth. It also its clients that nothing can be traced back to the sender and even offers a cash payment option to help customers feel more comfortable about their anonymity. But the senders must agree that their intention is sending the feces is for fun and not to threaten or harass the recipient. In Mitchell's case, however, police are investigating the suspicious package as 'harassment by communication,' as the county attorney told officers she wants the sender prosecuted. She provided the cops with footage from her Ring camera, as she shared who she suspected could have sent her the gift. She said that 'off the top of her head' she suspected it could have come from a 'suspended attorney named Vladimir Gagic' whom she accused of harassing her husband. He denied any involvement and said he was never even questioned by Phoenix police when contacted by the New Times - as he questioned whether the investigation was warranted. 'She calls the cops for f***ing fake poop. Really?' Gagic said. 'Is that the best use of law enforcement resources in the county?' Mitchell also suggested the fecal matter may have come from people who were upset at her office for refusing to prosecute an animal abuse case or anti-Israel activists whom she charged with trespassing at Arizona State University's Tempe campus. The county attorney, meanwhile, is also facing a civil suit for giving a plea deal to a soccer coach accused of sexually abusing an underage girl, according to the New Times. But authorities told the Arizona Republic on Monday they are still investigating the incident and did not have an update on whether the feces was tested to be genuine.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Arizona bill looks to expand mandated reporter guidance in schools
The Brief SB 1437 aims to protect kids in schools by expanding who's a mandated reporter when it comes to abuse. The bill also lays out the next steps after a mandated reporter is informed of abuse. PHOENIX - A new bill is going through the Arizona Capitol that would crack down on child abuse cases in schools. What we know It would clarify who's a mandated reporter, and provide guidance on the proper next steps. SB 1437 would make substitute teachers and school board members mandatory reporters, require student victims to be interviewed by specially trained interviewers, and expand whistleblower protections. Additionally, it would clarify that mandated reporters must report allegations to a law enforcement agency, and school resource officers would not count. What they're saying Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell supports the bill. She says her office has noticed a disturbing pattern, saying schools are not properly handling abuse cases and that far too many inquiries end sooner than they should. "The way it stands right now, we at the Maricopa County Attorney's Office are learning of cases where a child will report the abuse to a school personnel, and the administrator or someone at the school will interview the child, or direct someone to interview the child, or tell a school resource officer, but it will end there," Mitchell said. Some teachers tell their principals instead of police, and principals interview student victims. "Sadly, what I have seen is that some school administrators are attempting to handle these cases on their own, at times sweeping these offenses under the rug, unknowingly or knowingly," said Arizona Senator Carine Werner. She says her bill will change that by providing a framework of how and when abuse allegations should be reported. "The school staff member to whom the child disclosed must be the one that makes the report. You cannot pass along the duty to report by telling a boss. You cannot pass off the duty to report by reporting it, for example, to the principal," Mitchell said. Big picture view Bridget Vega is a community advocate who has worked with these victims and wants them to know they're aware of reporting issues. "We've seen so many flaws where things were being swept under the rug, or they weren't following the proper protocol," she said. "Know that you are not alone. They cannot take your voice. If you need anything, we are here for you. We see you, we love you and we stand by you." What's next If passed, this bill would apply to all schools, public and private.
