Superior court bailiff arrested for bribery

Tuesday, following a month long investigation, PCSO investigators arrested Pinal County Superior Court bailiff Royzell D. Williams, 45, for bribery and offering to exert improper influence on a public officer.

In June Pinal County Superior Court Presiding Judge Carter Olson contacted Sheriff Paul Babeu and requested an investigation into allegations of criminal conduct on the part of Williams.

The investigation involved an undercover operation during which Williams accepted $3,500 for what was to be his influence in a civil court case.

PCSO patrol deputies with the assistance of the K-9 unit took Williams into custody Tuesday. He was booked into the Pinal County Adult Detention Center in Florence on charges of Bribery of a Public Servant (ARS 13-2602) and Offer to Exert Improper Influence on a Public Officer (ARS 13-2606).

No evidence exists at this time to suggest any judge or other court employees were involved.

Judge Olson immediately terminated the employment of Williams after being informed by Babeu of the arrest.

Williams has prior felony convictions and has served over nine years in the Arizona Department of Corrections.

“This employee was in a position of trust and broke that sacred trust. He is now in custody, and our legal system shall ensure justice is served. Superior Court Presiding Judge Carter Olsen and County Attorney James P. Walsh have worked with my office to ensure this case was properly handled. We shall not tolerate corruption in any corner of our government,” said Babeu.

Submitted photo