Pima County Sheriff Demands State Probe into RICO Fund Misuse

More than a month after a former Pima County sheriff’s official disclosed a two-decade-long criminal conspiracy involving federal funds, the sheriff is now seeking a state-level investigation.

In September, ex-Chief Deputy Christopher Radtke faced several felony charges, including conspiracy to launder money and theft. In February, Radtke accepted a plea deal, admitting to three misdemeanor counts of theft of federal funds. He received a sentence in May of one year probation, 100 hours of community service, and $3,000 in fines.

Sheriff Mark Napier, responding to criticisms of the lenient sentence, has called for further investigation by the state. “After consulting with the FBI and conducting significant research, we found another legal avenue worth exploring,” Napier stated in a news release.

According to Napier, both community members and department employees believe the initial investigation did not fully address all culpable parties. “The current question is whether all criminal conduct and bad actors have been addressed from a state perspective,” he added. A state-level review would resolve lingering doubts and ensure that all possible inquiries have been thoroughly pursued.

The investigation initially revealed that the misuse of federal RICO funds had been a common practice within the department for almost 20 years. Although several department members were implicated, Radtke was the only individual charged at the federal level.

Napier has requested the Pima County Attorney’s Office to evaluate if state laws were violated in addition to federal statutes. Should the County Attorney’s Office choose to recuse itself, Napier plans to ask the Arizona Attorney General to review the case.

“I have received Sheriff Napier’s request and am currently evaluating it,” Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall stated in an email. “Further comments are not possible at this stage since the matter is still under investigation.”

The FBI’s probe began after a 2015 report revealed that cafes in sheriff’s headquarters and jail were operated by Radtke’s niece, contract-free and rent-free. Public records showed nearly $30,000 spent on these facilities, initially claimed to be funded by RICO money, but later clarified to have come from the department’s general fund.

Inquiries from department employees and subsequent media reports prompted the FBI investigation. However, the U.S. Attorney’s Office found insufficient evidence to charge anyone beyond Radtke.

Following Radtke’s sentencing, U.S. Attorney David Backman indicated that evidence suggested another employee was more responsible. This was in reference to former chief of staff Brad Gagnepain, who committed suicide last summer. Backman noted that the prosecution’s main goal was to eliminate corruption within the department, which he believes has been accomplished.