Today was the first court appearance for the Pima County Deputy Chief Chris Radtke, who was indicted on money laundering and theft charges.
Radtke is accused of misusing anti-racketeering funds, totaling about $500,000.
The FBI indictment was unsealed this week. Radtke faces one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and six counts of theft of public funds. According to the indictment, Radtke donated RICO funds to the Sheriff's Auxillary Volunteers. He and others made it appear that RICO money was being used by the SAV, but he used SAV checks and credit card to pay for items not permitted by law.
Radtke stood before the judge, who told him he is released on his own recognizance. He has until November 2 to enter a plea. His next court appearance is Tuesday morning, November 22.
Radtke had only been second in command about a year. He retired from the PCSD in September, but Nanos appointed him Chief Deputy a few days later. Whistleblowers said the FBI questioned them about Radtke. On Monday, Radtke informed Nanos that he had been indicted for the misuse of RICO fund and submitted his resignation. KGUN received a copy of Radtke's resignation showing he submitted his resignation on Thursday effective on Friday.
KGUN9 has also learned this year's annual Awards Banquet has been canceled and may be postponed to a later date. The indictment shows RICO money paid for awards banquet items not permitted by law. The sheriff's department confirmed it's working on any cancelation fee that sources say could amount to $15,000 dollars.
