Christian is the third child to drown in Phoenix this year and the sixth in Maricopa County. Constable charged with misdemeanors Criminal charges have been filed against Doug Middleton, the northeast Phoenix constable since January 1997, prosecutors said Thursday. He is to be arraigned Monday in Maricopa County Superior Court. The complaint was filed by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office following an investigation into an altercation that took place between Middleton and another man Oct. 17. Tim Moder, the Maricopa County constable administrator, said Middleton is expected to remain on the job pending the outcome of the case.
Constables serve court papers and evict deadbeat tenants.
Suit charges police used excessive force Phoenix police used excessive force when an officer shot a Phoenix teenager in the face at an after-prom party in April 1999, according to a complaint made public in Maricopa County Superior Court. The lawsuit, which was filed Tuesday, also claims Phoenix police representatives gave the media false information about the victim, Justin F. Franco, who was 18 at the time of the incident. Brutto drew his pistol and fired. The bullet fractured Franco's jaw and lodged near the base of his skull. He survived the shooting.