Audit Exposes No Issues in Controversial Sheriff’s Fund Mismanagement

A recent audit of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department has shed light on financial mismanagement within a special fund. Although the 2013 audit suggested that funds were appropriately allocated, findings from a subsequent federal investigation revealed longstanding illegal withdrawals. Specifically, employees exploited the Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers fund designed for crime-related expenses for nearly two decades.

Christopher Radtke, former second-in-command of the Sheriff’s Department, pleaded guilty on February 10 to misdemeanor theft involving the Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers of Pima County account. This fund was intended for crime prevention initiatives, yet approximately $500,000 was illegally siphoned off between 2011 and 2016. Although Radtke faced eight felony charges linked to an FBI probe, he currently remains the only individual charged in this case.

Radtke, in court, disclosed systemic mismanagement within the department, stating that staff had bypassed RICO fund restrictions for 18 years. Employees conspired to create a façade of charitable donations to the auxiliary fund while misusing the money for the Sheriff’s Department’s own benefit, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Sentencing for Radtke is set for May 5.

These financial irregularities spanned the terms of former sheriffs Clarence Dupnik and Chris Nanos. Sheriff Mark Napier emphasized the department’s commitment to transparency and strict adherence to financial regulations post-incident. He remarked, “This misconduct occurred before I took office, and we’re very diligent in following the rules.”

In response to Radtke’s assertions, a local news organization sought public records that could clarify the financial dealings tied to the auxiliary fund over the claimed 18 years. However, a department representative noted that, as a nonprofit, the records were not accessible by the Sheriff’s Department.

The details of a 2013 audit unveiled expenditures from the fund, including significant outlays for community services and awards. It reported that from January 2010 to September 2013, $230,000 was spent from the account, primarily for annual ceremonies honoring departmental efforts. Overall, the audit concluded that the expenditures appeared legitimate, although it highlighted the need for ongoing vigilance regarding RICO fund usage.

Moreover, the audit indicated that the auxiliary fund faced financial difficulties, with deficits reported in four of eight years from 2008 to 2015. The department is required to specify purposes when requesting RICO funds from the Pima County Attorney’s Office, who authorized $304,500 in transfers to the Sheriff’s Department over two years, designated for the auxiliary fund.

Interestingly, the FBI investigation was prompted by a 2015 article discussing irregularities involving Radtke’s niece managing rent-free cafes. Over $30,000 was reportedly spent on renovations and equipment for these cafe spaces, originally claimed to be funded by RICO money, but later reclassified as general fund expenditures.

For ongoing coverage and insights into this unfolding story, contact reporter Caitlin Schmidt at cschmidt@tucson.com or follow on Twitter at @caitlinschmidt.