By Brittni Thomason | azfamily
The Superior Court in Maricopa County said it has learned of six more pending adoptions through Paul Petersen.
The Maricopa County Assessor who’s in federal custody is accused of international adoption fraud.
[VIDEO: Six pending adoptions tied to Maricopa County Assessor Paul Petersen]
In a statement, the Media Relations Office for Superior Court in Maricopa County said the following:
“We have confirmed the existence of six pending petitions to adopt currently before the Maricopa County Superior Court in which Paul Petersen, Esq. is listed as the attorney of record. Given Mr. Peterson’s circumstances, to effectively, efficiently and justly address those matters, they have been reassigned to the Hon. Joseph Kreamer, Juvenile Court Presiding Judge. In adjudicating these pending matters, as in all adoption proceedings, the Court will ensure that the requirements of Arizona Law are met by all parties and the adoption is in the best interest of the child(ren). The release of additional case information on any pending or resolved adoption matters is prohibited by Arizona Statue and will remain confidential.”
The Superior Court and DCS said it can not legally say where the kids are and if they have Marshallese birth moms.
[CONTINUING COVERAGE: Adoption fraud investigation]
“This is by far one of the most complicated cases and just elaborate criminal schemes that I’ve come across in a long time,” said Kaine Fisher, an outside family attorney with Rose Law Group.
