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Maricopa County Prosecutor’s License Suspended for Taking on Antifa
Freedomfirstnetwork.com ^ | January 25, 2024 | by The Thought Criminals with Rachel Alexander & Ralph Benko

Posted on 01/26/2024 5:37:13 PM PST by Red Badger

In a recent episode of The Thought Criminals, hosts Rachel Alexander and Ralph Benko shed light on a controversial case that has sent shockwaves through the legal community. The episode delves into the suspension of the law license of Maricopa County prosecutor April Sponsel, who faced disciplinary action for her prosecution of Antifa activists on gang charges. The incident, as discussed by Alexander and Benko, highlights the challenges conservative attorneys face in the current legal landscape. Rachel also wrote an extensive article in The Arizona Sun Times about this case, which you can read here.

The episode centers around Sponsel’s suspension, which was handed down by the State Bar of Arizona’s disciplinary judge Margaret Downie and a hearing panel. The decision, detailed in a 71-page document, cites various reasons for the suspension, mainly focusing on Sponsel’s decision to prosecute individuals involved in an Antifa riot that occurred in downtown Phoenix on October 17, 2020.

Sponsel faced charges related to the prosecution of individuals at the Antifa riot and an unrelated case involving a thief accused of assaulting police officers. The charges, which included assisting a criminal street gang, conspiracy, rioting, hindering prosecution, and aggravated assault, stirred controversy both within and outside the legal community.

The episode highlights the extensive trial that took place in October, featuring over 8,100 pieces of evidence, including documents and videos, and 30 witnesses testifying. Despite the efforts, then-Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel decided to dismiss all charges in February 2021, attributing the decision to intense media scrutiny.

The disciplinary judge and panel criticized Sponsel’s handling of the case, questioning her decision to charge individuals with gang-related offenses. The hearing panel suggested a “relatively benign intent” behind the protesters’ actions, portraying them as peaceful demonstrators occupying the roadway. This perspective contradicted the evidence presented by Sponsel, including a detailed Powerpoint presentation highlighting significant gang-related information about the arrested individuals.

The bar charges also brought into question Sponsel’s comparison of Antifa members to notorious criminal street gangs, with the panel arguing that the protesters had not committed acts similar to those of well-known gangs. The episode, however, emphasizes instances where Antifa members have been involved in violent activities, including shootings and attacks on law enforcement facilities.

The disciplinary panel’s opinion highlighted various procedural issues, such as Sponsel’s handling of evidence and witness testimonies. The panel questioned Sponsel’s credibility and decision-making throughout the proceedings. Additionally, Sponsel’s refusal to apologize or admit wrongdoing was considered a factor in the weight given to mitigating circumstances.

Despite the unfavorable ruling, the episode concludes with information suggesting that Sponsel intends to appeal the decision. The appeal process will take her case to the Arizona Supreme Court, known for reevaluating sentences imposed by disciplinary judges.

The Thought Criminals episode provides a comprehensive overview of a case that not only raises questions about the justice system but also underscores the challenges conservative attorneys face when dealing with high-profile cases. The suspension of April Sponsel’s law license prompts a broader discussion about the intersection of politics and the legal profession, leaving viewers to ponder the implications for future prosecutions and the state of justice in America.


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; Government; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: anarchotyranny; antifa; aprilsponsel; arizona; arrestmargaretdownie; enemieslist; enemywithin; lawfare; margaretdownie; phoenix; terroristjudge
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1 posted on 01/26/2024 5:37:13 PM PST by Red Badger
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To: Red Badger

This will, of course, serve to embolden Antifa, not just in Arizona, but everywhere.

The 2024 elections are going to be violent on an unprecedented scale.

The alleged “anti-fascists” will be serving the ultra-fascist totalitarian Democrats with all their heart and might and soul and strength.


2 posted on 01/26/2024 5:48:04 PM PST by Eccl 10:2 (Prov 3:5 --- "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding")
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To: Red Badger

The “protest” was just a harmless fraternity prank, in other words.


3 posted on 01/26/2024 5:49:04 PM PST by llevrok (“In a time of deceit telling, the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell)
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To: Red Badger

Antifa should be considered a terrorist and subversive organization.


4 posted on 01/26/2024 5:50:59 PM PST by shanover (...To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them.-S.Adams)
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To: llevrok

Antifa is the terrorist wing of the Democratic Party.

They are a tool of what Sam Francis called anarcho tyranny—brilliant article well worth reading:

https://chroniclesmagazine.org/view/anarcho-tyranny-u-s-a/

Money quote:

“the combination of oppressive government power against the innocent and the law-abiding and, simultaneously, a grotesque paralysis of the ability or the will to use that power to carry out basic public duties such as protection or public safety.”


5 posted on 01/26/2024 5:53:38 PM PST by cgbg ("Our democracy" = Their Kleptocracy)
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To: Red Badger

At best, it’s a judgement call. The Arizona power structure sided with Antifa and believes they are not organized crime, a street gang.

Not surprising from the same legal class that was so muscular in supporting the Arizona election steal.


6 posted on 01/26/2024 5:57:29 PM PST by DesertRhino (2016 Star Wars, 2020 The Empire Strikes Back, 2024... RETURN OF THE JEDI)
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To: Red Badger

The corruption in AZ is deep and wide.

Much thanks for that goes to Traitor McStain’s GOPe machine which still infests the state.


7 posted on 01/26/2024 5:58:52 PM PST by TigersEye (Our Republic is under seige by globalist Marxists. Hold fast!)
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To: Eccl 10:2

Personally, I don’t think we’ll get much Antifa or BLM going on because a Dem is in the White Hut....................


8 posted on 01/26/2024 6:00:02 PM PST by Red Badger (Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegal aliens are put up in hotels.....................)
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To: Red Badger

Wait till October when the voters and the media start paying attention.

Note the date of the riot involved - October 17, 2020.


9 posted on 01/26/2024 6:01:55 PM PST by Eccl 10:2 (Prov 3:5 --- "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding")
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To: Eccl 10:2

Trump was in office then................


10 posted on 01/26/2024 6:05:16 PM PST by Red Badger (Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegal aliens are put up in hotels.....................)
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To: Red Badger

The riot was part of the Antifa/Democrat effort to remove Trump.


11 posted on 01/26/2024 6:06:47 PM PST by DesertRhino (2016 Star Wars, 2020 The Empire Strikes Back, 2024... RETURN OF THE JEDI)
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To: DesertRhino

Yes, you notice they have been quiet for 3 years....................


12 posted on 01/26/2024 6:08:55 PM PST by Red Badger (Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegal aliens are put up in hotels.....................)
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To: Red Badger
Awkward paragraph - Sponsel did(?), or did not(?), face charges for the crimes listed:
Sponsel faced charges related to the prosecution of individuals at the Antifa riot and an unrelated case involving a thief accused of assaulting police officers. The charges, which included assisting a criminal street gang, conspiracy, rioting, hindering prosecution, and aggravated assault, stirred controversy both within and outside the legal community.

13 posted on 01/26/2024 6:18:55 PM PST by linMcHlp
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To: Red Badger
Antifa members, as part of their sentencing, should be housed in the domiciles of the disciplinary judge, Margaret Downie, and the hearing panel.

The disciplinary judge, Margaret Downie, the hearing panel, and their families, should be forced to stay with the Antifa criminals for the duration of their sentence.

14 posted on 01/26/2024 6:26:30 PM PST by T.B. Yoits
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To: cgbg

An excellent source.

Especially for delusional BoomerCons who still think that if they just vote harder, or Constitution more, it will all get fixed.

Fact is, we need our Own Homeland. Both in Canada. And in the USA. Or maybe one Homeland for both.


15 posted on 01/26/2024 6:33:10 PM PST by Reverend Wright ( Everything touched by progressives, dies !)
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To: Red Badger

We’ll see them in November when Trump wins.


16 posted on 01/26/2024 6:37:18 PM PST by DesertRhino (2016 Star Wars, 2020 The Empire Strikes Back, 2024... RETURN OF THE JEDI)
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To: Red Badger
"...Antifa riot that occurred in downtown Phoenix on October 17, 2020."

Ahh, brings back warm memories of this:


17 posted on 01/26/2024 6:37:38 PM PST by fidelis (Ecce Crucem Domini! Fugite partes adversae! Vicit Leo de tribu Juda, Radix David! Alleluia!)
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To: DesertRhino

So can a MAGA rally wear black and just say their are an antifA branch that supports trump.
Then they can do what ever they want.


18 posted on 01/26/2024 6:38:41 PM PST by midwest_hiker
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To: Reverend Wright

Sam was way ahead of his time—a true genius.


19 posted on 01/26/2024 6:56:33 PM PST by cgbg ("Our democracy" = Their Kleptocracy)
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To: midwest_hiker

remember the six important words.

w i d e t m


20 posted on 01/26/2024 6:59:21 PM PST by skinny old man (Still lurking and posting after all these years(27 yrs ?)(more ?)(seems like more...))
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