The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has retained a former judge to provide an outside review of events surrounding the charging of individuals as members of a criminal street gang last October.
The review by retired Superior Court Judge Roland Steinle follows prosecutors previously moving to dismiss the charges against 16 people accused of crimes that included assisting or participating in a criminal street gang.
The 16 were arrested at an Oct. 17 downtown Phoenix protest against police brutality.
Prosecutors requested dismissal without prejudice, which would allow charges to be refiled.
County Attorney Allister Adel said in a statement Monday that she wants Steinle to review the events surrounding the charges and the procedures in place when making charging decisions in cases of community interest or those that have possible impacts to policy.
Phoenix TV station ABC15 reported the Arizona gang law includes indicators such as wearing of uniforms and proclaiming gang membership.
Police contended the protesters met those criteria by wearing black clothes, carrying umbrellas, and chanting a slogan critical of officers.
Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
