This award is designed to recognize the extraordinary achievement of an Arizona Felony Prosecutor in a large jurisdiction office and in a small jurisdiction office. This award could be given to a Prosecutor (or a two-prosecutor team that were co-counsel) for one specific case or for a series of outstanding prosecutorial accomplishments in the past year which demonstrate the Prosecutor’s exceptional advocacy.
2025
Felony Prosecutor of the Year Large Jurisdiction
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office nominates Jenny Carper for the APAAC Felony Prosecutor of the Year Award in recognition of her tremendous performance this year as a prosecutor. In addition to being one of the Assistant Bureau Chiefs of Capital Litigation, Jenny has been in back-to-back capital trials for multiple years now. Jenny is amazing with staff, victims, witnesses and her colleagues. She is an asset to Maricopa County, to Arizona, and to Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
Felony Prosecutor of the Year Small Jurisdiction
What began as a seemingly unremarkable transportation of marijuana for sale case evolved into the basis for nominating Torel Nichols for the APAAC Felony Prosecutor of the Year Award. In August 2019, a DPS trooper pulled Michael Dale over in Navajo County and arrested him for drug possession and distribution. Thus began a protracted case that involved in excess of 30 motions and years of pending litigation, with charges of racial discrimination and Brady violations at the defense’s core. Through unflagging research and investigation over a number of years, Torel was able to secure justice for the state and protect the reputation of a respected law enforcement officer who was undergoing a wholly unfounded character assault. Torel’s outstanding efforts exemplify his enduring dedication to justice and integrity.
2024
Felony Prosecutor of the Year Large Jurisdiction
In 2023, Healthcare Fraud and Abuse Unit Chief Brett Harames was instrumental in the State’s efforts to shutdown fraudulent sober living homes. Brett’s knowledge and leadership has helped him prosecute record levels of white-collar crime within Arizona’s Medicaid-funded programs, resulting in indictments against 72 individuals and entities with over $90 million in seized or forfeited assets. While stopping Arizona’s unprecedent behavioral health fraud, Brett prosecuted Valer Catuna for fatally attacking a vulnerable adult entrusted to his care, obtaining a 21-year aggravated prison sentence. The victim, a 53-year-old patient with debilitating health conditions including traumatic brain injury, was pinned down and assaulted by Catuna, resulting in fatal injuries. Brett is recognized for his commitment to ensure the return of taxpayer funds to the State and for relentlessly safeguarding the dignity of vulnerable members in our society.
Felony Prosecutor of the Year Small Jurisdiction
Jennifer Dent was the first chair prosecutor in three homicide trials, securing convictions in all three cases. She also found time to second chair another prosecutor’s homicide trial, assisting the Pinal County Attorney’s Office in acquiring another guilty verdict. One of Jenny’s most notable attributes is her unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice. She approaches each case with compassion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to securing justice for the State and the victim. In the courtroom, Jenny is a force to be reckoned with. She possesses a commanding presence and an impressive mastery of trial strategy and persuasive argumentation. Her ability to think on her feet, adapt to unforeseen challenges, and effectively communicate complex legal concepts to judges and juries alike sets her apart as a true courtroom advocate.
2023
Felony Prosecutor of the Year Large Jurisdiction
Kathleen Campbell has been a prosecutor in the Sex Crimes bureau for almost ten years. During that time, she has tirelessly pursued justice on behalf of the most vulnerable members of our community. This includes young children who have been sexually abused, victims of domestic violence, and adults who have been sexually assaulted. Kathleen is more than a trial attorney though; she is a mentor and a teacher. Kathleen has been the Assistant Bureau Chief for the Sex Crimes West bureau for the last three years. One of her primary responsibilities is to help newer attorneys try these incredibly challenging cases both to ensure the case is appropriately handled and to grow the trial skills of less experienced prosecutors who hope to follow in her footsteps. Kathleen is also often asked to teach on a variety of subjects related to the prosecution of sex crimes—both locally and nationally.
Felony Prosecutor of the Year Small Jurisdiction
In 2022, Patrick Johnson tried the first-degree capital murder trial of Miti Maugaotega, Jr. The three-month trial ended in a guilty verdict of first-degree murder along with the jury findings of capital aggravators, making the defendant eligible for the death penalty. The jury found the defendant guilty of stabbing his victim over one hundred and fifty times with an inmate-manufactured weapon and carving his prison gang "USO" into his victim's chest. Maugatotega was an inmate from the Hawaiian Department of Corrections serving his sentence at the Saguaro Facility in Eloy, Arizona. His victim, Brandon Nunuha, was also an inmate from Hawaii. Investigators believed the murder to be motivated by rival prison gangs. Patrick Johnson deserves recognition for his massive perseverance in seeking justice for this victim and his family. The murder occurred in 2010 and encountered significant delays due to changes in defense teams, COVID delays, and logistical difficulties inherent with a defendant from American Samoa who resided in Hawaii and witnesses from all over the world. The penalty phase ended in a hung jury and is scheduled to recommence in the fall of 2023. Patrick's resolve for justice was at the expense of personal costs. The preparation for the trial included multiple trips to Hawaii, missing holidays, and important family events. Patrick and the prosecution team included Barbara Marvel, paralegal, and Herb Padilla, investigator. The team worked tirelessly to prepare for witnesses from Hawaii, American Samoa, New Zealand, and multiple prison inmates serving sentences in private prison facilities all over the continental United States.
2022
Felony Prosecutor of the Year Large Jurisdiction
The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) nominates Nicholas Klingerman for Felony Prosecutor of the Year Large Jurisdiction for a series of outstanding prosecutorial accomplishments that demonstrate his exceptional advocacy. Mr. Klingerman is a leader who serves the prosecutors he supervises, the AGO and his fellow Arizona prosecutors utilizing his impressive breadth of skills. Swiss Army Knives envy him. Mr. Klingerman’s accomplishments in Supreme Court advocacy, Superior Court litigation, legislative efforts, Committee Service, and teaching and training are exceptional and would support stand-alone nominations in several categories. This nomination focuses not on one particular case or trial, but on Mr. Klingerman’s remarkable aggregate of successes in his duties as a prosecutor, Section Chief, and the special assignments he undertook for the AGO and for prosecutors statewide.
Felony Prosecutor of the Year Small Jurisdiction
Amanda Claerhout completed thirteen felony jury trials for the Mohave County Attorney’s Office in 2021. Several of her felony jury trials were back-to-back in successive weeks. Ms. Claerhout is unwavering, steadfast, and handles her herculean trial load with poise and prestige.
Felony Prosecutor of the Year Small Jurisdiction
Susan Eazer has practiced law for approximately three decades as a prosecutor in jurisdictions throughout Arizona, including the last seven and a half years at the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office. Ms. Eazer tried over 200 serious felony jury trials including numerous capital cases and other serious cases such as child molestations and other homicides. One recent case involved multiple sexual assaults, kidnappings and other domestic abuse committed by a defendant against his wife and children over the span of nearly a decade within the context of their marriage. The abuse finally came to light when the victim’s young teenage son wrote a very emotional letter to the Prescott Police Department pleading for help. A subsequent investigation uncovered countless rapes (many in front of the victim’s children), and other acts of abuse. Ms. Eazer’s hard work resulted in guilty verdicts on all counts, and the defendant was sentenced to 28 years flat time.
2021
Felony Prosecutor of the Year Large Jurisdiction
Rebecca Jones, an Assistant Attorney General in the Drug and Racketeering Enforcement Section, carries a complex caseload with numerous multi-defendant cases and is regarded as a wire expert within the office. Ms. Jones is a leader. When the Drug Section faced an 80% turnover in attorneys, she carried the caseload of many attorneys and helped to onboard a new Section Chief. In 2020 alone, one of Ms. Jone’s wires (CWT-525) resulted in the indictment of 21 individuals, the prevention of multiple planned robberies and the seizure of 49.43 pounds of heroin, 180.9 pounds of methamphetamine, 3.05 pounds of cocaine, 228,596 fentanyl pills, 1.9 pounds of fentanyl powder and $255,671 bulk US currency.
Felony Prosecutor of the Year Small Jurisdiction
Jacob Cote has been with the Mohave County Attorney’s Office since 2010. He has completed 34 felony jury trials, with many of those trials involving dangerous crimes against children. He is the child sex crimes team leader. One of Mr. Cote's recent trial successes was a guilty conviction for Molestation of a Child on a retrial that the jury hung on in the first trial. This case involved tribal and dual county jurisdiction issues, requiring extensive briefing, due to the crime occurring on a moving train. This was a hard-fought victory requiring conviction and the ability to adapt and improve.
2020
Felony Prosecutor of the Year Large Jurisdiction
Dawn Aspacher is currently the supervisor of the Misdemeanor Crime Unit. During her 11 years as a prosecutor, she has been a champion for victims of auto theft, sexual assault, child sexual crimes, and child abuse. Her calm demeanor and reassuring manner help comfort victims and witnesses, and convey genuine empathy and respect. Ms. Aspacher had an astounding year, and did extraordinary prosecutorial work in the trials of Raquel and Martin Barreras.
Felony Prosecutor of the Year Small Jurisdiction
Victoria “Vicki” Otto, during her 15 years as a prosecutor, has been a champion for victims of auto theft, violent crime, homicide, domestic violence, sexual assault, child sexual crimes, and child physical abuse. She is currently assigned to the Special Victims Bureau. Her calm demeanor and reassuring manner help comfort victims and witnesses, and convey genuine empathy and respect. Ms. Otto had an astounding year, and did extraordinary prosecutorial work in the trials of Raquel and Martin Barreras.
Felony Prosecutor of the Year Small Jurisdiction
George Rodriguez joined the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office nine years ago and has handled nearly every position from misdemeanors, the county drug task force, our charging division and our felony trial team. In 2019, he successfully prosecuted a 41-year old fiduciary in the Verde Valley who stole nearly $95,000 from two of her vulnerable clients, one of whom passed away prior to the trial. Mr. Rodriguez combed through thousands of complex accounting records to successfully present to the jury the scheme by which the defendant laundered clients’ money into her own accounts.
2019
Felony Prosecutor of the Year Large Jurisdiction
Maricopa County is fortunate to have Lacey Fisher on the front lines fighting the plague of human trafficking. Not only is she an exceptional trial attorney but she also reaches out to educate herself and others on the topic and is involved with many organizations focused on this abuse of children. She is involved in the Arizona Human Trafficking Council and Arizona Human Trafficking Intelligence Network. An example of her successful prosecution of these offenders is State v Dixon, CR2017-005978-001, guilty on 16 counts. After a month-long trial, a jury convicted Dixon of 14 counts of Child Prostitution; for which he is serving 190 years.
Felony Prosecutor of the Year Large Jurisdiction
Nicol Green has been a prosecutor with the Pima County Attorney’s Office since 2001, where she is the Major Crimes Bureau Chief and leads the prosecution of violent crimes. Tracy Miller has been a prosecutor with the Pima County Attorney’s Office since 2014 and is assigned to the Special Victims Unit, where she prosecutes sexual offenses committed against adults and children and child physical abuse cases. Together, they were successful in the prosecution of a cold case involving a serial rapist with multiple victims. They are dedicated to public safety and sensitive to the needs of victims and the community.
Felony Prosecutor of the Year Small Jurisdiction
Ten years of budget cuts has resulted in the loss of more than a third of the prosecutors in the Navajo County Attorney’s Office, leaving daunting caseloads. Patrick Zinicola has on his plate between 80 and 100 active cases on any given day, which includes almost all the violent crimes in Navajo County. Mr. Zinicola will put in the time, effort, and work necessary to hold those who committed crimes accountable and to try to bring closure for the victims. Yet he still finds time to work with law enforcement agencies and to mentor the newer attorneys in the office.
2018
Felony Prosecutor of the Year Large Jurisdiction
Ellen Dahl, Susie Charbel, and Clayton Lynas worked together to ensure that a dangerous defendant - a known member of the Mexican Mafia previously convicted of a gang-motivated murder - was held accountable for multiple murders and violent acts against police and public. After multiple trials, the defendant was sentenced to over 700 years in prison and the Death Penalty.
Felony Prosecutor of the Year Small Jurisdiction
Deputy Pinal County Attorneys Vince Goddard and Patrick Johnson began a capital murder trial in January 2018 against Zachary Eggers for the 2011 fatal beating of his cellmate, Jeremy Pompeneo. The jury found Eggers guilty of First-Degree Murder and then held him eligible for the death penalty by finding that the State proved Eggers had been previously convicted of First Degree Murder (A.R.S. §13-751(F)(1)) and that he murdered Pompeneo while in the custody of the department of corrections ((A.R.S. §13-751(F)(7)).