I just happened to come across prior reports regarding Sheriff Joe and decided it was a good idea to give a victim's opinion. My fiance' and father of my son was killed in a car accident by a drunk driver here in Phoenix. Before the defendant was sentenced, I went to visit him in the Madison Street Jail. On my first visit I was a little nervous due to the circumstances, and on top of that, a little intimidated. I wasn't intimidated by the inmates, I was intimidated by the staff. I felt like I was being treated like a child and a criminal. As I was waiting for my number to be called, I went to use the restroom. Before walking into the ladies room, I could smell only what I can describe as fecies. As I entered the stall, I noticed that the toilet had not been flushed and there was urine soaked toilet paper all over the floor. I looked around and this mess was everywhere. Needless to say I was so disgusted that I decided to hold it. As I returned to my seat, I began wondering if it were worth the trouble to wait. Afterall, I'm upset at this guy and I may have to storm out anyway. Then, I looked up and noticed an electronic sign flashing the words "Sheriff Joe is committed to customer service". I couldn't help but laugh inside. I wondered if anyone else thought this was funny. Then I wondered if Sheriff Joe had been in the bathroom lately. Then I thought about how gross the visitor's bathroom was and couldn't imagine what the inmates living conditions were like. This visit was only the start of my issues with Maricopa county.
I attended every single hearing during the court process (which, by the way, is extremely way too slow). The prosecution didn't care what the victims had to say. The victim's advocate didn't show up for hearings. The few she did show up for, she wasn't able to answer my questions. The defendant, his family and the lawyers were in the judges chambers negotiating a plea bargain and I obviously had the right to be in the room.instead, I was lied to. I was told by the prosecutor that there wasn't enough room for me to sit. After the hearing, I found out that the judge asked where I was and the prosecutor told him that I didn't want to come in. I was fortunate, however, that the judge took everything I had to say in consideration at the sentencing and I was pleased with the outcome. The prosecution had been so concerned about winning a serious case that they ignored and belittled the victim's family. I was shocked at their behavior.
So, the defendant is now in prison and I keep regular contact with him. He has shown a great deal of remorse for his actions. He has made several references as to the treatment in county jail and how much better (although not great) the treatment is in the state prison. I agree that inmates don't deserve the luxuries that we have, but they do deserve to be treated like human beings. Because, afterall, they are.
Maricopa county needs to do some serious reevaluating. Not only on the treatment of their inmates, but the court system. It amazes me how many crooked people work for the government. Where do they find these people? And how does Joe keep getting re-elected? What is he doing for us again?
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