Apache County Attorney Michael Whiting has been placed on interim suspension, according to the State Bar of Arizona, meaning that his law license has been suspended effective Nov. 1. An interim suspension means that Whiting will be suspended from practicing law in Arizona pending the outcome of his disciplinary proceedings.
Whiting, his wife, Apache County Superintendent of Schools Joyclynn “Joy” Whiting and Daryl Greer, a subordinate of Michael Whiting, are being accused of engaging in a series of unethical and illegal activities over the past two years. Among the charges Whiting has been indicted for are harassment of a political opponent pertaining to his wife’s political opponent, misuse of public funds, purchasing gym equipment for personal use, and destruction of public records.
According to the State Bar of Arizona’s website, a lawyer may be suspended if they appear to be misappropriating funds or “engaging in conduct that would result in substantial harm, loss or damage to the public, the legal profession, or the administration of justice.”
Whiting is currently up for reelection and running unopposed in the county. However, state law requires a person to be a licensed attorney at law to hold the office. It is unclear how the suspension will affect the Apache County Attorney’s Office.
