MPD detective facing felony charges listed in county’s ‘Brady’ database

A Maricopa police detective indicted on six felony charges is identified by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office as a law enforcement official who may have integrity issues.

Jose Lizarraga, 45, who was arrested July 2 on counts of theft, forgery, fraudulent schemes, tampering with a public record and attempted money laundering, is listed in the attorney office’s Law Enforcement Integrity Database, also known as the “Brady list.”

The name comes from the 1963 U.S. Supreme Court case Brady v. Maryland where it was ruled prosecutors must release any evidence that could be used to impeach a potential witness. The list identifies law enforcement officials who have lied while on duty and could impact the officer’s credibility as a witness.

“As part of that requirement, our office maintains the integrity list … so that we essentially have an easy way of identifying law enforcement officers that may have integrity issues,” said Jerry Cobb, a spokesman for the attorney’s office.

Lizarraga was arrested following a joint investigation by the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, the Pinal County Attorney’s Office and the FBI.

He is accused of stealing $1,300 on April 7 during an investigation with the sheriff’s office and the FBI, according to court records. The investigation involved a drug smuggling case. He’s also accused of submitting false documents regarding his investigation into the case and has admitted to authorities he threw the $1,300 out the window of his department-issued vehicle.

In addition, court records state Lizarraga submitted timecards to the Maricopa Police Department alleging he was working while conducting personal business and used department resources for his personal errands.

Lizarraga’s employment with Maricopa Police Department began August 2007. During his time with the department, in which he served as a patrol officer and a detective assigned to the Pinal County Narcotics Task Force, Lizarraga had no history of complaints or disciplinary action.

Following his July 2 arrest, Lizarraga was placed on paid administrative suspension. He submitted a letter of resignation to the department last Friday. He was released from jail on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court Friday for an arraignment hearing.

Prior to his release, Lizarraga had to surrender his passport because he travels to Mexico frequently and is known to have family there, records state.

Lizarraga was placed in the integrity database for an incident that occurred May 23, 2007, while he worked for the Mesa Police Department.

The list does not provide details of the incident. InMaricopa.com submitted a request Thursday to Mesa police for all records related to the occurrence.