Recent Articles from Katie Campbell
AG takes over probe of utility owner’s alleged threat against town official
Indicted water utility owner George Johnson is now being investigated by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office for allegedly threatening the Florence town manager, Brent Billingsley.
Behind the Ballot: Challenge accepted
Numerous candidates have found themselves swept up in legal battles on their way to the ballot.
Trial ends with defendants’ claim work was lawful, not bribery
Arizona’s most significant public corruption case since the 1988 impeachment of Gov. Evan Mecham has come down to this: Four defendants. Fourteen days of testimony. Nearly four dozen witnesses.
Jury hears closing arguments in bribery trial
The so-called “Ghost Lobby” trial was the summer blockbuster no juror bought a ticket to see.
Behind the Ballot: The comeback kids?
Three men running for the state legislature are seeking much more than your votes - they want retribution.
Judge fines state $1.4 million for contempt in prison health care case
On Friday, the day of his retirement, U.S. Magistrate Judge David Duncan ordered the Arizona Department of Corrections to pay $1.4 million for continued noncompliance with court-ordered prison health care standards.
Judge’s decision in bribery trial opens door on larger probe
Gayle Burns will be allowed to testify in the so-called “Ghost Lobby” trial after U.S. District Court Judge John Tuchi determined the defense had opened the door to her testimony.
Utility executive: Sherry Pierce hired for her connections to Pinal County, not bribe
Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Battista says it was lobbyist Jim Norton’s “strong suggestion” that led to the flow of money from a utility owner to the pockets of a utility regulator.
Lobbyist Jim Norton disputes ex-wife’s testimony in bribery trial
Jim Norton said on the witness stand Tuesday he did not force his now ex-wife, Kelly Norton, to hire Sherry Pierce at her firm, but that he urged her to do so because he had a stake in their success.
Behind the Ballot: Big left turn
David Garcia says he's the same candidate he's always been, but political observers have seen him take a big left turn and embrace a more progressive message than ever before.
Bribery trial jury hears from first defendant
Sherry Pierce says she had no idea she was doing work on behalf of water utility owner George Johnson while she was employed by KNB Consulting and her husband sat on the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Defense says government short on proof in bribery trial
Defense attorneys in the so-called “Ghost Lobby” trial said “normal folks” might not find the activities of the defendants acceptable, but the government failed to prove corruption was their driving force.