(Phoenix, Ariz. -- July 10, 2007) Attorney General Terry Goddard today expressed appreciation for the many contributions made by former Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley to the Attorney General's Office during the past six months.
Romley, who served as Maricopa County Attorney from 1989 to 2004, contracted in February of this year as special adviser to Goddard. His work included assisting attorneys in the Office's Criminal Division and representing the Office before the State Legislature. His last day with the Office was July 9.
"Rick has been a valuable asset, sharing his wealth of criminal prosecution experience and expertise," Goddard said. "From his advice on major cases to his work on legislative matters, the State of Arizona has benefited from his counsel and sound judgment."
Romley will be leaving Arizona to become personal adviser to Secretary of Veterans Affairs James Nicholson in Washington, D.C. A Vietnam veteran, Romley held a similar position with the federal agency in the summer of 2006. He was asked to stay on but returned to Arizona to fulfill a commitment to handle the investigation and prosecution of former Pinal County Manager Stanley Griffis. Griffis pleaded guilty earlier this year to six felony counts of fraud, theft and tax charges.
"I've enjoyed working with Terry Goddard. He is intent on doing what's best for the state and has unquestioned integrity," Romley said. "Some people asked why a former Republican prosecutor would help a Democrat, but I didn't see my work in political terms. I saw it as a chance to use my experience to help the Attorney General's Office."
Romley will begin his new job in Washington on Aug. 20.