Former Pima Sheriff’s Official Receives Probation and Fine in High-Profile Theft Case

The former chief deputy of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department was sentenced to probation Friday, concluding an FBI investigation into allegations of money laundering and theft. The investigation, which began over a year ago, scrutinized Christopher Radtke’s conduct and misuse of funds.

In a February plea deal, Radtke admitted to three misdemeanor counts of theft of federal funds, after initially facing felony charges of conspiracy to launder money. U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric Markovich accepted his plea, leading to a sentence of one year of probation per count, served concurrently, alongside a $3,000 fine and 100 hours of community service.

Details of the charges surfaced from a 2015 investigation by the Star, revealing that cafes run by Radtke’s niece operated within sheriff’s headquarters and the Pima County jail without proper contracts while receiving suspicious funding. The Star’s public records requests indicated nearly $30,000 was spent on these cafes, initially claimed to be RICO funds but later revealed as general fund money.

An FBI investigation ensued, uncovering approximately $500,000 embezzled by Radtke from RICO funds. Although Radtke was the only person charged, the probe revealed that other department members were involved in misappropriating RICO funds intended for the sheriff’s auxiliary volunteers fund.

During court proceedings, U.S. Attorney David Backman from the District of Utah stated other potentially culpable individuals were identified. However, no further charges were brought due to circumstances such as the suicide of the former chief of staff, Bradley Gagnepain.

Backman asserted the prosecution achieved its primary goal of eradicating corruption within the Sheriff’s Department. The leniency of Radtke’s plea deal—viewed skeptically by some—was justified given the case’s specific circumstances.

Radtke’s attorney, Sean Chapman, emphasized his client’s longstanding service and the inevitability of mistakes. He highlighted that the improper use of RICO funds was known and seemingly tolerated to avoid bureaucratic hurdles.

Judge Markovich acknowledged the complexity of the case and criticism faced, pointing out the broader organizational indictment implicating the entire Pima County Sheriff’s Department over the last 18 years.

After the plea acceptance, some observers, including Sgt. Kevin Kubitskey, voiced dissatisfaction, arguing the outcome undermined justice and failed to address deeper departmental issues. Kubitskey criticized the perceived inadequacy of the investigation and prosecution, insisting more stringent measures were necessary to genuinely cleanse the department.

Though disappointed by the misdemeanor result, Kubitskey remains hopeful that new Sheriff Mark Napier will continue efforts to reform the department. Backman defended the case’s success in eliminating the department’s major corruption issues, highlighting procedural improvements in the County Attorney’s Office regarding RICO fund requests.

For further details, contact reporter Caitlin Schmidt at cschmidt@tucson.com or follow her on Twitter: @caitlinschmidt.