MPD detective’s arraignment set for Friday

A Maricopa police detective charged with six felonies including the theft of about $1,300 while investigating a drug smuggling case last April will appear in court Friday.

An arraignment hearing for Jose Lizarraga, 45, is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. at Pinal County Superior Court in Florence. Lizarraga was released from jail Wednesday on a $10,000 bond.

The police detective was arrested at the Casa Grande Police station Tuesday for fraudulent schemes, forgery, tampering with public records, attempted money laundering and theft.

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.

The crimes occurred on multiple days on or between Jan. 1 and July 2, records state.

Lizarraga stole $1,300 on April 7 during a joint investigation with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, according to court records. The investigation involved a drug smuggling case. Lizarraga is 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.

A records request filed through the police department revealed Lizarraga had no prior history of complaints or disciplinary action during his employment. He joined the department in August 2007 and has since worked as a patrol officer and a detective assigned to the Pinal County Narcotics Task Force. 

The task force is a multi-agency group with investigators from local police departments and the county attorney's office that looks into cases involving the trafficking and smuggling of illegal drugs in or through Pinal County and surrounding areas. 

At this time, the county attorney’s office is not releasing other details or records concerning Lizarraga's case.