Terry Goddard Considers Seeking Review of Decision in Dowling Case

(Phoenix, Ariz. -- May 7, 2007) Attorney General Terry Goddard said today he will review a Maricopa County Superior Court ruling in the criminal case against Maricopa County School Superintendent Sandra Dowling before deciding whether to seek review from the Arizona Court of Appeals by special action or return to a grand jury for reconsideration.

Judge Edward Burke today remanded 12 of the 25 counts against Dowling to a grand jury for reconsideration. Ten of the 12 counts allege misuse of public money. The other two allege that she violated procurement procedures in awarding a landscaping contract to her son.

The judge declined to remand 13 other counts against Dowling or the counts against her son, Dennis Dowling, and three other defendants.

Dowling was indicted last November by a State Grand Jury. The allegations all relate to her operation of the Maricopa County Regional School District.