APAAC Rising Star Prosecutor Award Recipients

Since joining the Coconino County Attorney’s Office in 2023, Michael Victor has done outstanding work as a felony prosecutor. Michael took over narcotics trafficking prosecutions for the office, and has excelled in that role. He has taken a hard line in prosecuting transport cases, particularly those involving fentanyl and methamphetamine. He quickly built valuable relationships with the Northern Arizona Street Crimes Task Force Metro Unit and their Federal partners by improving direct communication with them and discussing his reasoning in reaching appropriate outcomes in these important cases. In addition to his work on drug trafficking, Michael has sought out opportunities to help in homicide prosecutions. He co-tried a successful first-degree murder prosecution, giving a powerful opening statement. He has done significant legal work to help prepare several other homicide cases as co-counsel. He serves as a great model for newer prosecutors, helping in their development.

From the moment Ashley Marshall began her career at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in 2021, she demonstrated an unflappable demeanor and work ethic. Ashley is an organized and effective advocate in the courtroom. When faced with challenges, Ashley takes them head on. Ashley holds herself to a very high standard. While working in our justice courts, Ashley was transferred a caseload from her peers. She was careful to prepare and manage her heavy caseload. While in Justice Court, Ashley completed one DUI jury trial and more than ten bench trials. After working in Justice Court, Ashley began working in our Early Disposition Court (EDC). Ashley resolved 420 cases and completed 18 witness preliminary hearings in EDC. While in EDC, Ashley was nominated several times for “Attorney of the Month.” Ashley always wants to learn more. While in EDC, she was excited to learn how to charge felony cases. Once Ashley moved to carrying a felony caseload, she continued to demonstrate her “can do” attitude and high work ethics. Ashley has reviewed 220 submittals, pled 134 cases in Superior Court, second-chaired three felony jury trials, and first-chaired two felony jury trials. Ashley is also part of the office’s Ambassador Program. Ashley is a mentor to new attorneys in our EDC bureau; she helps with internal trainings on preliminary hearings and bail evidentiary hearings; and, she has volunteered to be a CGIC (Crime Gun Intelligence Centers) attorney. Ashley is recognized for her organizational skills, ability to think on her feet, willingness to help others, and incredible work ethic.

The Masa City Prosecutor’s Office mission statement is to “provide excellent legal work and to create an exceptional work atmosphere.” Wayne Cheney exemplifies both of these principles. Through his hard work and commitment, Wayne has already become an accomplished trial lawyer. He’s conducted and won numerous jury trials, including actual physical control DUIs and marijuana-based DUIs. He is also a skilled domestic violence prosecutor, excelling in evidence-based prosecution methods and pursuing domestic violence offenders even when victims recant or don’t show up for trial. Wayne’s out-of-court contributions are just as impactful as his trial efforts. Wayne runs the office “Facts and Snacks” program, wherein he finds and invites other legal professionals to present/train our prosecutors on a point of law or a trial skill. He also recently revamped and updated the office’s motion bank. Wayne does all of this in the most unassuming, non-attention-seeking way possible. He is a rising star in the prosecution community.

With just one year into his prosecution career, Kunal Patel has distinguished himself with initiative, exceptional legal skills, passion, and desire to help others, including victims and fellow prosecutors. While relatively new to prosecution, Mr. Patel possesses a curiosity and drive to seek justice that ensures he will only continue to expand his skills and impact as a prosecutor. Mr. Patel is an asset to the Phoenix City Prosecutor’s Office and to the profession.

Garet Kartchner has made it his personal mission to end the fentanyl trade in Graham County. Quickly becoming the offices go to attorney for sale cases, he has already earned a reputation as a skilled and gifted litigator. Taking a no-compromise approach, he is fearless when it comes to going toe-to-toe with the most seasoned defense attorney and has had tremendous successes in trial. Mr. Kartcher has yet to lose a bench or jury trial or any suppression hearing. While that may be common among young attorneys, the fact that he has kept his perfect record by taking extremely challenging cases to trial makes this hot streak extremely impressive.

Tessa Hustead became a Deputy County Attorney in November 2017 and has risen to every challenge. She excelled in the Pretrial Division and was quickly assigned to the Major Offenders Division, Repeat Offender Program Bureau (ROP). She has prosecuted a wide variety of felonies from Organized Retail Theft to Armed Robbery. Ms. Hustead’s trial skills, intellect, and hard work ensure that justice was achieved in each case she handled; and, as a result, victims and the community have been protected.

Jaimye Ashley is an absolute wrecking ball for justice and is only in the beginning stage of what is going to be a great career as a prosecutor. She is the prosecutor who always remembers why we do what we do – and she values it. Ms. Ashley doggedly refuses to back down when she knows that the truth and law are on her side. She has taken appeals, argued before the Court of Appeals and has already completed eight (8) felony jury trials with great success.

Josh Maxwell started in the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in December 2014 and in the Repeat Offender Program Bureau (ROP) in March 2016. Mr. Maxwell has successfully tried some very difficult and dangerous cases involving repeat offenders who have extensive criminal histories along with a penchant for trying to escape justice. Since joining the ROP bureau two years ago, his trial skills, hard work and tenacity have ensured that society has been protected and justice has been well served in each of his ROP jury trial convictions.