Exploitation of Vulnerability: How the Apache County Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office are Targeting Joseph Lathus in His Time of Cancer Crisis
In the peaceful, remote areas of Apache County, Arizona, where residents often depend on the goodwill and support of their neighbors, one would expect local law enforcement and county officials to uphold principles of justice and fairness. Yet, for Joseph Lathus, a property owner in the Concholakeland Unit 6 subdivision, this expectation has shattered into a nightmare of legal persecution. Despite his contributions to the community and his struggles with severe health issues, including a suspicion of mouth cancer since December 2022, Lathus finds himself at the center of a highly questionable legal campaign orchestrated by the Apache County Sheriff's Office and the Apache County Attorney's Office.
At a time when his health was uncertain and his energy was devoted to undergoing tests and treatment for a potential life-threatening illness, the actions taken against him by these officials seem less about justice and more about targeting a vulnerable individual who lacks the resources to defend himself effectively. This campaign of legal intimidation raises serious concerns about abuse of power, potential corruption, and the violation of Lathus’s constitutional rights.
### The Context: A Good Samaritan Turned Into a Target
Joseph Lathus, a property owner in the rural Concholakeland Unit 6 subdivision, took it upon himself to improve the area by donating materials to install fences and gates to prevent livestock from entering and causing damage to private property. Importantly, **Lathus did not personally install the fences or gates**—this work was carried out by a local rancher, Forest Akins, who voluntarily stepped in to help safeguard the subdivision from his own livestock encroachment.
Despite Lathus’s limited involvement in the actual construction, the Apache County Sheriff’s Office began harassing him, accusing him of obstructing a public thoroughfare. This accusation seemed implausible from the start, as the roads in question were unmaintained dirt paths that Lathus had financially contributed to improve, but did not personally alter. His intent was always to support his neighbors, not to block access to the roads.
### Taking Advantage of His Vulnerability
The timing of the county's legal actions against Lathus is particularly troubling. In December 2022, Lathus first suspected that he had mouth cancer, and his health became a serious concern as he underwent tests and later surgery. Instead of receiving understanding or support from his local government, Lathus found himself facing relentless prosecution. The legal battle placed enormous stress on him during a period when his focus should have been on his health and recovery.
The most disturbing aspect of this prosecution is that it appears to be strategically timed to take advantage of Lathus’s vulnerability. Local officials were well aware of his health condition, yet they continued to press forward with their case against him. Lathus has been forced to represent himself **pro se**, navigating the complexities of the legal system without proper legal training, while his life hangs in the balance due to his cancer diagnosis.
This situation is particularly egregious when considering that **Lathus did not install the fencing or gates in question.** These were installed by Forest Akins, a rancher who took it upon himself to protect the Concholakeland unit 6 property. Lathus’s only involvement was his financial contribution to the materials and suggestions. Despite this, the local authorities have focused their attention on Lathus regardless that Lathus at age 45 still has no criminal background, making him the scapegoat for any perceived wrongdoing.
### Potential Corruption and Abuse of Power
The Apache County Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office have shown a pattern of behavior that raises serious questions about their motives. Local ranchers, including Carey Dobson, a county commissioner for planning and zoning, appear to be at the center of this case. Dobson’s connections within the local government and his vested interest in the ranching community is influencing the course of justice.
The fact that Lathus has been repeatedly denied the opportunity to present his evidence and has seen his motions dismissed without proper consideration suggests that the court may be biased in favor of local ranchers. Additionally, the appointment of court-appointed attorneys with close ties to the Apache County Board of Supervisors raises concerns about conflicts of interest and the fairness of the legal process.
In light of these circumstances, it’s difficult to see this prosecution as anything other than an attempt to crush a vulnerable individual while protecting the interests of those in power. The legal system in Apache County seems to be functioning not as a means of justice, but as a tool for persecution, driven by personal vendettas and corruption.
### A Call for Justice
Joseph Lathus’s case is a glaring example of how local governments can exploit their authority to target those who are least able to defend themselves. As he recovers from cancer and battles for his life, Lathus should not have to fight a second battle against a corrupt and unjust legal system. The actions of the Apache County Sheriff's Office and County Attorney's Office reveal a disturbing willingness to abuse their power and ignore the principles of fairness and justice that they are sworn to uphold.
It is imperative that higher authorities, including state and federal agencies, step in to investigate the conduct of these officials. Lathus deserves a fair hearing, free from bias and undue influence. The legal system should be a refuge for justice, not a weapon to be wielded against those who cannot fight back. In this case, justice has not been served, and unless intervention occurs, Joseph Lathus’s rights and well-being will continue to be trampled underfoot by those who have sworn to protect them.
