Judge John Leonardo
Last week, Arizona got a new top prosecutor.
John Leonardo, former Superior Court Judge for Pima County, was confirmed on Friday as the United States Attorney for the District of Arizona.
Judge Leonardo had been nominated by President Barack Obama in March. The position had been open since then-U.S. Attorney Dennis Burke resigned on August 30, 2011, in the wake of the Fast & Furious gun-walking scandal. (I wrote about his resignation here.)
Some news stories on the new appointment pointed out that Judge Leonardo had dismissed an indictment brought against Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox, finding it was retaliatory. Does that dismissal indicate how the new prosecutor may approach probes of the Maricopa County Sheriff? At least one news outlet suggests it does.
The Daily Star also reported on the appointment:
“U.S. Sens. Jon Kyl and John McCain issued a joint statement announcing the confirmation, saying, ‘We are pleased that the Senate confirmed Judge John Leonardo to serve as U.S. Attorney.’
‘Judge Leonardo’s decade of experience on the bench and previous work in the U.S. Attorney’s Office will be strong assets as he continues his public service in this new, challenging role.’
Leonardo said in an email that the president still needs to sign his commission before he can be sworn in, which should occur next week.
‘I am very pleased and honored by the Senate confirmation … and I am looking forward to serving the people of Arizona in this new capacity.’”
So my question is: Should we at Arizona Attorney interview the newest United States Attorney for a Q&A?
We have published Q&As with a few of the recent top prosecutors—Paul Charlton and Dennis Burke.
If you do think we should interview Judge Leonardo, what questions would you like to see him answer? Post your questions in the comments below, or write to me at arizona.attorney@azbar.org.
Today, some news from a noteworthy journal at the ASU College of Law:
