By Gary Grado | Arizona Capitol Times
Gary Phillips was just one of almost 500 employees fired since Department of Economic Security Director Tim Jeffries took the helm of the social-services agency.
Phillips’ termination had a higher profile, though, because it came with a press release, an arrest in the office, and the accusation from Jeffries that he attacked a co-worker.
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office looked at the allegations separately and each declined to prosecute what was essentially “touching a fellow employee on the leg above the knee.” DES contends it never consulted with the AG.
