Chairman Jeffrey McClure and Sheriff Ross Teeple said on May 11 that they have serious concerns about Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller’s use of taxpayer money, time, and resources. In an open letter to residents, McClure and Teeple said they are presenting their case in Maricopa County Superior Court.
The letter highlights the responsibility of elected officials to protect the public and manage county investments. The leaders said their actions come after what they describe as misconduct by Miller, which they believe jeopardizes core responsibilities in Pinal County.
“Our position is clear: Mr. Miller has hired staff for new jobs that were never authorized, offered salaries that were never approved, and used public resources in ways that raise grave safety concerns. Most troubling, he entered into a contract in 2025 with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security without the knowledge or approval of the Board of Supervisors. These actions expose Pinal County taxpayers to substantial and unacceptable liability,” McClure and Teeple wrote.
They also addressed how diverting investigators from criminal prosecutions to federal immigration enforcement could weaken local crime prosecution efforts rather than address federal challenges effectively. “Public safety works best when each office fulfills its legal role,” they said. They explained that under Arizona law, the Sheriff is designated as Chief Law Enforcement Officer for each county, while for nearly two decades structured agreements with Homeland Security have been managed by trained deputies through proper channels.
McClure and Teeple further stated: “The County Attorney’s role is different. That office prosecutes cases under Arizona law and represents county officials in civil matters. When those boundaries are crossed, it creates legal conflict, financial risk, and confusion that ultimately harms the public.” They emphasized fiscal responsibility within county government operations.
Educational outcomes remain a challenge locally; recent data show only 23% of students in grades three through eight passed mathematics on the AASA assessment during the 2023-24 school year while just 17% of high schoolers passed mathematics on the ACT during this period according to the Arizona Department of Education.
The letter concludes by calling for unity among county leaders: “Pinal County is strongest when its leaders work together, respect their roles, and remain focused on what matters most: keeping our communities safe and using taxpayer dollars wisely.”
