In a shocking turn of events, the Arizona Attorney General's Office has confirmed that Apache County Attorney Michael Whiting is currently under investigation for alleged misconduct. The investigation focuses on the misuse of public monies and accusations of threatening and intimidating a political opponent.

The investigation was initiated with a raid on Whiting's offices in St. Johns and his personal home on June 4, carried out by agents armed with a sealed search warrant. At the time, Whiting was not available for comment. The nature of the alleged misuse of public funds and the identity of the political opponent remain unclear.

Recently, a letter signed by three of Whiting's top attorneys was sent, urging his resignation and expressing concerns over the impact of the investigation on ongoing criminal cases. The attorneys stressed the importance of fair and impartial administration of justice, free from the distraction caused by the investigation.

The attorneys' letter also detailed the raid, describing how all staff members, including interns, were escorted to the lobby while the search was conducted. It further claimed that Whiting was informed of the raid but failed to return to his office for the rest of the week despite initially stating he would.

Whiting, who has served as Apache County Attorney for the past 16 years, responded to the allegations in an email, expressing his commitment to serving the citizens of Apache County. He disclosed that he was on a pre-planned trip with family in California and emphasized his cooperation with the attorney general's investigation.

In response to Whiting's absence, Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a letter granting full authority to Whiting's Chief Deputy to make decisions and preserve evidence. However, if Whiting were to return to the office, he would require approval from the Attorney General's office for personnel decisions or spending over $200.

This is not the first time Whiting has faced disciplinary action. In 2011, he and another attorney were reprimanded by the Arizona State Bar for authorizing unauthorized communication with a criminal defendant's counsel.

The State Bar of Arizona has confirmed the existence of a complaint against Whiting, currently in the pre-screening process. It remains to be seen how this investigation will unfold and what consequences it may hold for Whiting's political aspirations, given his intention to run in the 2024 Democratic Primary.

As the investigation into Apache County Attorney Michael Whiting continues, the citizens of Apache County await the outcome of this case, while ensuring the fair and impartial administration of justice remains a top priority. The Arizona Attorney General's Office has affirmed its commitment to uncovering any potential misconduct and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.