By Perry Vandel | Arizona Republic
Phoenix City Councilmember Sal DiCiccio described a $77 million notice of claim filed against him and the city by a group of protesters who were arrested by police as an “intimidation tactic” meant to dissuade him from supporting law enforcement.
The claim was filed March 14. Protesters, some of whom were initially charged as gang members before prosecutors dropped the charges, accuse DiCiccio of using his office to unsuccessfully pressure prosecutors to recharge them.
Two council members have recently called on Mayor Kate Gallego to hold a meeting on the city’s relationship with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
Phoenix Vice Mayor Laura Pastor and District 8 Councilmember Carlos Garcia said former Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel “resigned amid numerous scandals, but it should not stop Phoenix City Council from looking at our own role in wrongdoings in coordination with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office,” according to a news release issued Monday.
DiCiccio told The Arizona Republic on Tuesday that he supports holding such a meeting.
