Popko comments on AG investigation

Zig Popko, clinical professor of law and director of the College of Law’s Post-Conviction Clinic, was quoted in an article written by Yvonne Sanchez and Craig Harris, titled “Notes give insight into investigation of Horne,” Oct. 6, in The Arizona Republic.

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery announced on Oct. 1 that he was filing a suit against Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne and campaign-committee chairwoman Kathleen Winn, after he reviewed a 14-month investigation of Horne by the FBI and local authorities. Montgomery said he would pursue a civil case against Horne and Winn, and not a criminal one, despite the investigators’ criminal investigation.

Popko said political considerations might have partially influenced Montgomery's decision. He noted that a criminal case against Horne could last three to five years, which would run into the 2014 election cycle when Horne, a Republican, would be up for re-election. Montgomery, also a Republican, would be in the middle of a four-year term at that point and could be running for another office.

Popko is a member of the State Bar of Arizona’s Rules of Professional Conduct Committee, and a member of the federal District of Arizona’s CJA Panel Selection Committee. He also sits as a pro tem judge in the Tempe Municipal Court.