Confidence in Dennis Wilenchik, the attorney hired by La Paz County to prosecute Rep. Trish Groe, R-3, on DUI and related charges, has been derailed by news that he mishandled the Phoenix New Times investigation, Today’s News Herald in Lake Havasu City reported Oct. 22.
Groe, who faces aggravated DUI and other driving charges since her arrest in April, says she’s worried about Wilenchik. Responding to the newspaper’s request for comment after Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas fired Wilenchik on Oct. 19, Groe said she was afraid of repercussions if she commented.
“I’m afraid to tell you my take on that. I believe the prosecutor will use that against me, she told the Today’s News Herald. “I’m afraid of his actions. If I weigh in on anything, I’m afraid of the repercussions. His behavior concerns me. His comments toward me and about my case concern me. I know he’s made some false statements in regards to my case.”
La Paz County Attorney Martin Brannan says there was no indication that Wilenchik would be fired. Wilenchick told Arizona Capitol Times on Oct. 20 that he is still on the Groe case.
La Paz County Supervisor Gene Fisher said he was appalled by Wilenchik’s conduct in the New Times case.
“At some point, the issue over Trish Groe needs to be addressed,” he said.
Bruce Feder, Groe’s attorney, has pushed for sanctions against Wilenchik and Brannan for comments they have made to the media. In a motion filed last month, Feder said the prosecutors’ comments have been “prejudicial and improper.”