Apache County attorney, his wife plead not guilty on charges of misusing public funds

ST. JOHNS, AZ (AZFamily) — Apache County Attorney Michael Whiting and his wife, Joy Whiting, who serves as the county school superintendent, pleaded not guilty Thursday after a grand jury indicted them on multiple corruption-related charges.

Michael Whiting, Joy Whiting along with Michael’s aide, Daryl Greer, are accused of misusing public money and threatening a political opponent. Greer also pleaded not guilty.

“Ms. Whiting has been a civil servant, a teacher in that community for her entire career. One of the things I would say about her is that she’s done nothing but give back to that community. At this point she’s presumed innocent, we’re going to be contesting the allegations to the fullest extent,” said Jack Litwak, Joy Whiting’s attorney, during Thursday’s court appearance.

Arizona’s Family Investigates spoke with Joy Whiting’s attorney, Jack Litwak after the hearing about the charges. 

“She’s done nothing but give back to the community her entire career. She’s been a teacher,” Litwak said.

“I’m going to be contesting everything. I’m going to be contesting everything,” he said in response to questions about the next steps. 

Arizona’s Family Investigates also spoke with Richard Gaxiola, Greer’s attorney. 

“We’re going to vigorously contest all the factual allegations contained in the indictment,” Gaxiola said. 

Arizona’s Family Investigates’ Amy Cutler asked the attorney about the $10,000 in gym equipment prosecutor say Greer bought using a county credit card. That equipment, according to the indictment, was delivered to the county attorney’s office. 

“I have no comment, with respect to that allegation. I have not received or reviewed any of the discovery,” Gaxiola responded. 

All three appeared virtually via Zoom and remain out of jail, having been released on their own recognizance.

What charges are they facing?

A state grand jury indicted Michael on several felony and misdemeanor counts that include harassment, theft, misuse of public monies, conflict of interest and stealing, destroying, altering, or secreting public records.

Joy was indicted with felony misuse of public monies and one count of conflict of interest.

Greer was indicted on four charges, including misuse of public monies, harassment, and sending a threatening or anonymous letter.

What else is known about the Whitings?

Arizona’s Family Investigates previously reported that the embattled top prosecutor had four of his staffers filed injunctions against him, claiming harassment. The injunctions stated that Whiting and two of his employees started driving by their homes after they called on him to resign. It happened after investigators executed a search warrant on Whiting’s home and office.

Both Whitings continue to run for re-election unopposed in their respective office.

All three are due back in court in late September.

See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it.

Do you have a photo or video of a breaking news story? Send it to us here with a brief description.

Copyright 2024 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.