False Charges Lead To Sanction Of Former Prosecutor

The Arizona Supreme Court affirmed a two-year suspension imposed on a former prosecutor

On December 19, 2023, the Hearing Panel entered its Decision and Order Imposing Sanctions. The Panel found that Respondent April Arlene Sponsel violated several ethical rules in the course of her employment as a prosecutor at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. The Panel suspended Ms. Sponsel from the practice of law in Arizona for two years, effective 60 days from the date of its decision. On January 10, 2024, the Panel granted a stay of the two-year suspension, subject to certain terms and conditions.

Ms. Sponsel filed a timely notice of appeal of the Panel’s Decision and Order Imposing Sanctions.

Upon consideration of the parties’ briefing and record on appeal by the Court en banc,

IT IS ORDERED affirming the Panel’s order suspending April Arlene Sponsel from the practice of law in Arizona for two years. The suspension shall be effective no later than 60 days from the date of this order unless Ms. Sponsel notifies the Court and the Bar of her request for an earlier effective date, in which case the effective date will be the earlier date.

The court indicates that a written opinion “will follow.”

ABC 15 Arizona reported on the proceedings below and links to the decision of the Presiding Disciplinary Judge Hearing Panel

The former Maricopa County Attorney’s Office prosecutor who worked with  Phoenix police to falsely charge protesters as gang members will lose her law license for at least two years.

The suspension was leveled against April Sponsel on Tuesday.

“Ms. Sponsel violated duties owed to her client, to the members of the public, to the legal system, and to the profession,” according to a decision written by Presiding Disciplinary Judge Margaret Downie.

The judge continued, “Ms. Sponsel’s misconduct had far-reaching, deleterious consequences.”

An attorney representing Sponsel in the disciplinary matter did not immediately return an emailed request for comment.

In October, the State Bar of Arizona held a seven-day trial against Sponsel.

She was fired by MCAO last year and previously turned down a settlement offer.

Sponsel decided to fight to keep her law license after working with Phoenix police to bring bogus charges against demonstrators throughout 2020.

More than 40 felony cases were eventually dismissed.

During her disciplinary trial, Sponsel repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

Sponsel’s career began to unravel almost immediately after ABC15 launched its Politically Charged investigation in February 2021.

We reached out to Sponsel’s attorney who replied with the following comment, “The process is ongoing so it’s premature to comment.”

(Mike Frisch)