Neighbors characterize jailed detective as amiable

The former neighbors of a Maricopa police detective arrested Tuesday on multiple charges including fraud, forgery and money laundering described the 45-year-old law enforcement official as a “very nice man” who displayed acts of kindness.

Detective Jose Lizarraga was arrested at the Casa Grande Police Department after confessing he had stolen $1,300 in April while on duty. His initial appearance in court was scheduled for Wednesday morning. He is being held at the Pinal County Adult Detention Center.

Lizarraga has been charged with fraudulent schemes, forgery, tampering with public records, attempted money laundering and theft.

“He was very nice,” said Cherry Burney, a resident of the Palo Brea neighborhood who lived next door to Lizarraga and his wife before the two recently moved out and sold the home. “They were very nice neighbors.”

Lizarraga is married to Ember Conley, the former deputy superintendent of the Maricopa Unified School District. Conley took a new job last month as superintendent in the Park City, Utah school district and was scheduled to start Monday. According to court records, Lizarraga and Conley received their marriage license in October.

Conley did not return a phone call Wednesday.

A press release from the Pinal County Attorney’s Office states county attorney Lando Voyles requested the sheriff’s office initiate an investigation into Lizarraga, and after “various irregularities” with Lizarraga’s activities while on duty, sheriff’s personnel requested the FBI assist in the investigation.

Lizarraga told law enforcement officials Tuesday he had stolen $1,300 and threw it out the window of his department-issued vehicle, according to court records. The records do not describe who the money belonged to or where the theft took place.

Records also state an “unsecured release” of Lizarraga would not be ideal since he frequently travels to Mexico where he has family ties. He also has knowledge of Border Patrol, law enforcement operations and how to elude police.

A spokesman for the FBI told InMaricopa.com to refer all questions and records about the case to the Pinal County Attorney’s Office. The records immediately available from the attorney’s office gave minimal information.