County Attorney uses experience as crime victim to spur Teen Court participants

Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer revealed he was a recent burglary victim Thursday afternoon during teen court training at Copper Sky.

Volkmer said late Wednesday night his personal belongings and money were stolen from his vehicle parked outside his Casa Grande home.

“At the end of the day, I’ve lost a little money. It’s not the end of the world,” Volkmer said. “Then there’s me as a victim, and I’m frustrated.”

The prosecutor paced the floor, explaining the intricacies of the criminal justice system to the roomful of teenagers, using the burglary as illustration.

Volkmer argued the system is not broken, but it only works when the people who work for it do their jobs effectively.

“You guys are going to have the opportunity to send the message to people that these type of things aren’t acceptable (and) there’s a punishment to be had,” Volkmer said.

In late August, teenagers will hold court positions as prosecutor, defense attorney, victim advocate and jury in cases involving their peers.

It’s the first teen court being piloted in Pinal County, and officials say it could mean the implementation of similar courts in other cities within Pinal.

Recent statistics show Maricopa is one of the top three cities in the county for juvenile referrals. Others include Casa Grande and San Tan Valley.

Teresa Fuller, Pinal County juvenile probation supervisor, said in January Maricopa’s juvenile referral rate increased, while referrals lowered in the other cities with high referral rates.

“If it works here, we think it can work everywhere. We’ve got great support from Judge Riggs, Chief Stahl and everyone in this community,” Volkmer said.

Pinal County Bureau Chief of Juvenile Justice Court and Appeals Tom McDermott said the teen court is an opportunity for education and awareness surrounding the criminal justice system.

 “That’s probably the best part about it – they get to learn about what we actually do and disabuse them of any misconceived notions that they may have about the criminal justice system,” McDermott said.

Teens will wrap-up training Friday afternoon, but Fuller said an information meeting will be held at Copper Sky Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. for adults interested in volunteering in the program.

For more information contact Teresa Fuller at [email protected] or (520) 866-7061.