Allegations of Intimidation and Harassment Emerge in Apache County Political Race
In a dramatic turn of events in Apache County, former candidate Fernie Madrid has initiated legal action against the prior county attorney, Michael Whiting. Madrid alleges that Whiting engaged in intimidatory tactics to force him out of the 2024 superintendent race.
Madrid had previously contended for the superintendent role against Joy Whiting, the incumbent and the wife of Michael Whiting. The lawsuit claims that Michael Whiting, along with two of his office’s employees, engaged in a harassment campaign that included following Madrid, throwing rocks at his home, and sending threatening packages and letters.
The two employees implicated, Daryl Greer and Trent Jensen, held positions as lead investigator and legal assistant, respectively. Notably, Greer has confessed in court to “conducting surveillance” on Madrid under Whiting’s directive. More details can be found in this court document.
Madrid described an incident in which he was physically attacked by Greer and Jensen while he was gathering signatures for his campaign. During this confrontation, Madrid claims the two men pushed him into the street and knocked his clipboard away, saying, “Michael Whiting is just getting started with you.”
Threatening letters followed, containing personal information about his family and urging him to abandon his campaign by April 1, with withdrawal forms included. Fearing for his family’s safety, Madrid ended his campaign.
Madrid stated, “I think the bottom line is to assure that this never happens to anyone else in my position…that someone that seeks to run for office is not harassed.” After the physical altercation, Madrid reported the incident to the Arizona attorney general.
Within the lawsuit, Madrid’s complaint highlights the emotional and physical distress caused by the alleged actions, including “pain and suffering, shame, embarrassment, and fear.” The full complaint is accessible here.
Despite these allegations, Michael Whiting was re-elected as Apache County attorney, running unopposed in 2024, even though he had been removed from office earlier that year due to an indictment on various charges. For more information about his removal, visit this link.
Subsequently, Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren was appointed as the county attorney following Whiting’s suspension from practicing law. Details on her appointment can be found here.
Joy Whiting, meanwhile, continues her role as the county superintendent despite facing charges of misusing school funds.
Madrid seeks a court judgment to acknowledge Whiting’s influence in his campaign withdrawal and is pursuing damages for the resources lost. His attorney, Mike Greenberg, emphasized the violation of the First Amendment and public trust, stating, “In America, we resolve our political disagreements through open debate and at the ballot box, not through government officials intimidating and harassing their opponents.”
Madrid has not eliminated the possibility of another run for superintendent in the future, indicating that he will consider his options before making a decision.
