NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday June 18, 2009

In Case You Missed It - MCSO Captain Continues to Flaunt Court Decision that he Obey Campaign Finance Laws

MCSO Captain Joel Fox, facing a court order and a $315,000 fine, continues to make a mockery of our courts and campaign finance laws by his persistent attempts to dictate terms to the court.

Fox, who funneled contributions to the Arizona Republican Party through the Sheriff’s Command Association (a political committee, as determined by the Maricopa County Elections Department), refuses to follow basic campaign finance disclosure laws. He is currently issuing an ultimatum to Maricopa County Elections that he will turn over the names of contributors ONLY if they are not made available to the public, which is required by Campaign Contribution Statutes. An attorney representing the county correctly noted that a, “secret filing would violate both the letter and the spirit of that law.” (AZ Capitol Times, 6/18/09 )

If his terms are not accepted, Fox, according to the Arizona Capitol Times, states, “If you will not accept my offer, then the only choices you leave me are to file a false report or appeal, and I will not file a false report.” (AZ Capitol Times, 6/18/09 )

“Joel Fox needs to comply with the court order and stop disrespecting the law,” said Arizona Democratic Party Executive Director Luis Heredia. “He should turn over the names without conditions immediately, or face the $315,000 fine. The courts have spoken, Fox must comply or pay the fine,” said Heredia.