Cochise County Supervisor Admits Guilt in 2022 Election Certification Delay

Cochise County Supervisor Peggy Judd has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for delaying the certification of the 2022 election, thereby avoiding felony charges. This agreement was confirmed by the Attorney General’s office on Monday.

Under the terms of the deal, Judd admitted to not canvassing the 2022 election as required by state law. Initially facing two felony charges—conspiracy and interference with an election officer—she is now subject to a $500 fine and 90 days of unsupervised probation, effective immediately.

Judd has opted not to seek reelection, with her term concluding in January. Her probation will cover the upcoming election period, which the Attorney General’s office believes ensures a timely certification process for 2024.

Attorney General Kris Mayes emphasized that any interference with Arizona’s election process will face serious consequences. “Today’s plea agreement and sentencing should serve as a strong reminder that I will not hesitate to uphold the rule of law,” Mayes stated.

The delay in certifying the 2022 election by Judd and Supervisor Tom Crosby prompted a necessary court order for compliance by December 1, 2022. On that date, Judd and former chair Ann English certified the election, while Crosby did not attend.

In November 2023, Judd and Crosby were indicted by a state grand jury on charges related to their actions. Judd’s attorney attempted to dismiss these charges, arguing that legislative immunity protected their actions. However, Judge Geoffrey Fish ruled against the motions in June, allowing the case to continue toward trial.

The timeline of the case has been extended, with a trial date potentially pushed into early 2025. As of October 14, Judge Fish set a status conference to evaluate a change of plea for Judd.

Judd’s attorney, Kurt Altman, described the plea as a resolution to the long-standing issue. “It’s the best path forward because it puts it behind her,” he asserted.

The plea requires Judd to fulfill her probation terms by avoiding further legal trouble and to pay a fine directed to the Attorney General’s Anti-Racketeering Fund. Although she accepted the plea deal, Altman maintains the original charges were excessive.

In contrast, Supervisor Tom Crosby continues to face his own charges without a plea deal in sight. Crosby’s attorney, Dennis Wilenchik, indicated that they are prepared to challenge the charges in court.

Unlike Judd, Crosby is campaigning for reelection and will compete against Democrat Theresa Jane Walsh for the District One seat in November. Should he be convicted while in office, state law dictates his removal.

A trial assignment date for Crosby has been set for January 30, at which point proceedings will progress.