Cochise County Attorney's Office

09/04/2026

🌞🎥 Yes... the benefits video is 5 minutes long. 😴

But that's because our benefits package is packed with so much good stuff, it couldn't fit into a 30-second reel!

🧋 Since it's weekend, grab a coffee, check it out when you have a few minutes, then scroll down for this week's Top 5 Job Highlights. Your next opportunity might be waiting. ⤵️


🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅

🎯 This week's highlighted job openings at . 👀

🎯Code Compliance Officer
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cochise/jobs/5460080/code-compliance-officer-bisbee?page=1&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

🎯 Equipment Operator / Truck Driver – Western Regional Landfill, Whetstone
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cochise/jobs/5442706/equipment-operator-truck-driver-western-regional-landfill-whetstone?page=1&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

🎯 Judicial Call Center Generalist – Bisbee
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cochise/jobs/5290083/judicial-call-center-generalist-bisbee?page=2&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

🎯 Probation Support Trainee – Sierra Vista
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cochise/jobs/5472610/probation-support-trainee-sierra-vista?page=2&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

🎯 Systems Librarian – Bisbee
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cochise/jobs/5441318/systems-administrator-bisbee?page=2&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

09/03/2026

❕RECENT HIGHLIGHTS❕

Cochise County Attorney Lori Zucco announced the indictment of Robert Enrique Forrest, 52, on two counts involving Aggravated Assault and Disorderly Conduct. The indictment stems from a domestic violence incident that occurred on August 22, 2026, at a residence in Douglas. According to the investigation, the incident began following a dispute involving dogs on the property. Forrest allegedly drove to the victim’s residence, approached him pointing the firearm at the victim, and placed the barrel of the pistol against his forehead.

According to the probable cause statement, multiple family members allegedly witnessed portions of the incident. Deputies later contacted Forrest by telephone, and he agreed to meet deputies at the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office substation, where he was subsequently taken into custody. Forrest remains in custody on a $150,000 secured bond after a warrant was ordered and executed by the Court due to failure to appear for a scheduled Early Resolution Conference Hearing.

🟤 This case is being investigated by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Raul Durazo and is being prosecuted by Deputy County Attorney Terisha Driggs with Paralegal Anahi Barron.

*Please note, this content may reference individuals or allegations under investigation. All such individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Cochise County Attorney's Office
Jessica R. Garcia, Public Relations
Contact: [email protected]

09/02/2026

❗️CASE UPDATES | Cochise County Attorney’s Office ❗️

Recent prosecutions in Cochise County ⬇️

SANCHES, Shimira: Sanches entered a plea of not guilty to two counts – involving Aggravated Assault and Child Abuse. The charges stem from a June domestic violence incident that took place at a residence in Sierra Vista, Sanches who was currently being supervised by the Adult Probation Office is pending a Petition to Revoke due to this incident. The court set speedy trial deadlines for December 10, 2026 (in custody) and January 10, 2027 (out of custody). Sanches remains in custody without bond following an Initial Appearance on a Petition to Revoke. A Review Hearing is set for September 2, 2026 in Division V of the Cochise County Superior Court.

DOMINGUEZ, Eric Jr.: Dominguez entered a plea of not guilty to five counts – involving Child Abuse, Disorderly Conduct, Kidnapping, and Aggravated Assault. The charges stem from a June domestic violence incident that took place in a residence in Sierra Vista. The court set speedy trial deadlines for December 31, 2026 (in custody) and January 30, 2027 (out of custody). Dominguez currently is out of custody pending further proceedings. A Motion to Withdraw of Counsel from the Legal Advocate’s Office was filed recently and a Review Hearing for Appointment of Counsel is set for September 8, 2026 in Division V of the Cochise County Superior Court.

NELSON, Miklejon Cory: Nelson entered a plea of not guilty to six counts – involving First Degree Murder, Possession of Dangerous Drugs, Aggravated Assault, and Mutilation of a Dead Human Body. The charges stem from a July homicide that took place in a desert area behind Safeway on South Naco Highway in Bisbee. The court set speedy trial deadlines for December 24, 2027 (in custody) and January 25, 2026 (out of custody). Nelson remains in custody without bond. A Pretrial Conference is set for September 28, 2026 in Division V of the Cochise County Superior Court.

🔗 See the comments below for links to the original RECENT HIGHLIGHTS posts for each of these cases.


*Please note, this content may reference individuals or allegations under investigation. All such individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.


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Cochise County Attorney’s Office
Jessica R. Garcia, Public Relations
Contact: [email protected]

09/01/2026

🇺🇸Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels dropped off 250th United States Anniversary patches and a badge to the County Attorney’s Office today, thank you Sheriff Dannels for the partnership and your commitment to law enforcement and patriotism for our great Nation! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

09/01/2026

❗️ CASE UPDATES | Cochise County Attorney’s Office ❗️

Recent prosecutions in Cochise County ⬇️

DECIUTIIS, Vincent Michael: Deciutiis entered a plea of not guilty to ten counts – involving Attempt to Commit First Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault, Disorderly Conduct, and Endangerment. The charges stem from a May shooting on North 12th Street in Tombstone. The court set speedy trial deadlines for December 17, 2026 (in custody) and January 18, 2027 (out of custody). Deciutiss currently is out of custody pending further proceedings. A Pretrial Conference is set for September 14, 2026 in Division I of the Cochise County Superior Court.

LUNA, Octavio: Luna entered a plea of not guilty to nine counts – involving Attempt to Commit First Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Harassment, Preventing Use Of Telephone In Emergency Or False Representation Of Emergency, Kidnapping, and Tampering With A Witness. The charges stem from a May domestic violence incident in Sierra Vista. The court set speedy trial deadlines for October 29, 2026 (in custody) and November 27, 2026 (out of custody). Luna remains in custody on a $100,000 secured bond. A Pretrial Conference is set for October 5, 2026 in Division V of the Cochise County Superior Court.

IPSON, Jeffrey “JD”: Ipson entered a plea of not guilty to five counts – involving Fraudulent Schemes & Artifices, Trafficking In Stolen Property (First Degree), Theft Of Means Of Transportation, Aggravated Taking Identity of Another, Illegal Control Of An Enterprise. The charges stem from an investigation into the alleged fraudulent purchase of a $51,000 Polaris RZR from Cochise Motorsports involving insufficient-fund checks. The court set speedy trial deadlines for November 19, 2026 (in custody) and December 21, 2026 (out of custody). Ipson currently is out of custody pending further proceedings. A Pretrial Conference is set for September 28, 2026 in Division V of the Cochise County Superior Court.

🔗 See the comments below for links to the original “Recent Highlights” posts for each of these cases.


*Please note, this content may reference individuals or allegations under investigation. All such individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.


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Cochise County Attorney’s Office
Jessica R. Garcia, Public Relations
Contact: [email protected]

08/28/2026

❗️Jury Trial Case Update❗️

Cochise County Attorney Lori Zucco announced guilty verdicts in State v. Dameon Blaise Cunningham, 43, on two counts of Class 4 felony Child Abuse in connection with the abuse and neglect of children at an Elfrida residence from June 16, 2023.

County Attorney Lori Zucco stated that her trial team “fought the good fight” in trying to secure convictions on more serious charges that would have included sentences that were prison mandatory, but ultimately the prosecution was frustrated when the minor victims refused to testify at trial and were taken out of state by their mother.

🟤 This case was investigated by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, Reserve Deputy Roger Clark was the case officer, and the jury trial was prosecuted by Deputy County Attorneys Michael Powell & Deana Champagne with Paralegal Dallas Bullington.

*Please note, this content may reference individuals or allegations under investigation. All such individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.


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Cochise County Attorney’s Office
Jessica R. Garcia, Public Relations
Contact: [email protected]

08/27/2026

🎓 Good luck back to school, Katie Kelliher!

Although summer has come to a close, we wanted to take a moment to recognize and thank Katie Kelliher for spending her summer interning with the Cochise County Attorney’s Office!

Born and raised in Sierra Vista, Katie is pursuing degrees in Business Management and Pre-Law at the University of Arizona. She is entering her senior year and is on track to graduate in May 2027, with plans to attend law school the following year.

Katie was also recently elected Student Body President at the University of Arizona and will serve as the Associated Students of the University of Arizona (ASUA) President for the 2026–2027 academic year. Her commitment to leadership, public service, and her education made her a wonderful addition to our office this summer!

We wish her the very best as she begins her senior year, takes on her new leadership role, and continues working toward a future career in law! ⚖️

☀️ Interested in interning with us next summer?
The Cochise County Attorney’s Office welcomes students interested in gaining firsthand experience in the legal field and learning more about public service. If you are interested in a Summer 2027 internship, please contact our office for more information:
520-432-8700
[email protected]

08/25/2026

Earlier this month, the Cochise County Attorney’s Office had a great time joining the Benson community for National Night Out 🌟

A special thank you to our law enforcement partners for the work you do every day to serve and protect Cochise County. We appreciate the opportunity to stand alongside you and connect with the community we are all proud to serve!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello — we enjoyed spending the evening with you, Benson 💙

08/17/2026

08/13/2026

❕BREAKING NEWS❕

Cochise County Attorney Lori Zucco announced the guilty verdict of Eileen Marie Smith, 79, on two counts of Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices & Theft in connection with funds belonging to the trust of a vulnerable adult.

The case originated from a February 22, 2024, fraud report to the Sierra Vista Police Department. According to the report, an Adult Protective Services (APS) employee advised officers that Smith had served as the victim’s caretaker, held power of attorney, and became trustee of Blair’s trust after Blair’s declining health and incapacity.

The report elaborates Smith misappropriated a little over $119,000 for her own personal benefit. The victim’s son was identified as the beneficiary who was to receive 100 percent of the trust, but APS reported that he had not received any of the funds.

The County Attorney’s Office remains committed to ensuring public safety and protecting vulnerable members of our community. County Attorney Lori Zucco firmly stands against financial exploitation and fraud, and her office will continue to work closely with law enforcement to hold accountable those who unlawfully take advantage of others.

🟤 This case was investigated by Detective John Papatrefon of the Sierra Vista Police Department and the jury trial prosecuted by Deputy County Attorney Michael Powell with Paralegal Naara Dominguez.

*Please note, this content may reference individuals or allegations under investigation. All such individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.


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Cochise County Attorney’s Office
Jessica R. Garcia, Public Relations
Contact: [email protected]