A
controversial prosecutor faces imminent firing after a five-month
inquiry into her role in filing criminal charges and a civil suit
against judges and county officials on behalf of then-Maricopa County
Attorney Andrew Thomas.
The Arizona Republic has learned Deputy County Attorney
Lisa Aubuchon was sent a "pre-termination letter" last week, an initial
step in the firing process.
Aubuchon has been on paid administrative leave since April, when
Thomas resigned as county attorney to make a failed run for Arizona
attorney general.
Interim County Attorney Rick Romley fired two high-ranking
prosecutors from Thomas' tenure when he took office. The other
prosecutors served at the pleasure of the county attorney. Aubuchon,
however, was protected as a "merit" employee and could be fired only for
cause. Romley ordered an internal investigation into her conduct.
Aubuchon has until today to respond to facts stated in the pre-termination letter. The office would not reveal those details.
Aubuchon is entitled to a meeting with top officials within the
County Attorney's Office to plead her case. Barring last-minute
evidence, she likely will be fired.
Read more:
http://www.azcentral.com/news/election/azelections/articles/2010/09/17/20100917maricopa-deputy-county-attorney-lisa-aubuchon-firing.html#ixzz0zoORsUYG