Unveiling Judicial Misconduct: The Ordeal of Joseph Lathus
In the heart of Apache County, Arizona, the case of Joseph Lathus has revealed a troubling narrative of judicial misconduct, procedural malfeasance, and undue hardship. This article explores how the prolonged delay in Mr. Lathus's trial, exacerbated by the actions of Justice of the Peace Butch Gunnels and attorney Bryce Patterson, has inflicted extreme hardship and demonstrated a concerted effort to undermine his legal rights.
#### Extreme Undue Hardship
Joseph Lathus, a resident of the Concholakeland Unit 6 subdivision, has faced a prolonged period of legal uncertainty and distress. Despite being charged with a misdemeanor offense for obstructing a public thoroughfare, Mr. Lathus has been awaiting trial for over 200 days, far beyond the statutory limit set by Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure. This prolonged detention, even though he may not be physically incarcerated, constitutes a severe form of hardship, causing significant mental and emotional strain.
1. **Prolonged Legal Uncertainty**: The extended delay in bringing Mr. Lathus to trial has left him in a continuous state of anxiety and stress. This uncertainty hampers his daily life, disrupts his peace of mind, and prevents him from moving forward.
2. **Health Deterioration**: Mr. Lathus, who has undergone surgery for stage 2 mouth cancer, requires specific medical accommodations to communicate effectively. The court’s failure to provide necessary ADA accommodations has further aggravated his condition, making it difficult for him to participate in his defense and exacerbating his health issues.
3. **Impaired Defense**: The appointment of Bryce Patterson, an attorney with clear conflicts of interest, has severely compromised Mr. Lathus’s ability to mount an effective defense. Patterson’s neglect in advocating for necessary accommodations and preparing critical legal motions has left Mr. Lathus vulnerable and disadvantaged in the legal process.
#### Beyond Statutory Limits
According to Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 8.2, a defendant charged with a misdemeanor must be brought to trial within 180 days of their arraignment. Joseph Lathus's trial has been delayed for over 200 days, which is a clear violation of these statutory limits. This delay not only breaches procedural rules but also infringes upon Mr. Lathus’s constitutional right to a speedy trial as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment.
#### Evidence of Malice and Judicial Collusion
The actions of Justice of the Peace Butch Gunnels and Bryce Patterson suggest a deliberate effort to undermine Mr. Lathus’s defense and ensure a conviction. This malice is evident in several key aspects:
1. **Conflict of Interest**: Bryce Patterson’s close associations with key figures involved in the case, including Ferrin Crosby, Michael Whiting, and Carey Dobson, suggest that his appointment was influenced by these relationships. This conflict of interest is a direct violation of Mr. Lathus’s right to unbiased representation.
2. **Judicial Bias**: Justice Gunnels’s decision to appoint Patterson, despite the obvious conflicts of interest, underscores a deeper alignment with county officials. Gunnels’s refusal to provide reasonable accommodations for Mr. Lathus’s medical needs further indicates a bias that compromises the impartiality required of a judicial officer.
3. **Collaboration with County Officials**: The actions of Justice Gunnels suggest a troubling collaboration with county officials, demonstrating a broader pattern of judicial misconduct and collusion. This collaboration is evident in the systematic delays and procedural missteps that have extended Mr. Lathus’s detention beyond legal limits, reflecting a concerted effort to charge an innocent man.
#### Conclusion
The case of Joseph Lathus highlights a grave injustice within the judicial system of Apache County. The prolonged delay in his trial, the failure to provide necessary ADA accommodations, and the appointment of a conflicted attorney have inflicted extreme undue hardship on Mr. Lathus. These actions, spearheaded by Justice of the Peace Butch Gunnels, reveal a troubling pattern of judicial misconduct and collusion with county officials.
Mr. Lathus’s ordeal underscores the urgent need for judicial oversight and accountability. The Arizona Attorney General's Office, the FBI Phoenix Division, the United States Department of Justice, and local government officials must intervene to address these systemic issues and ensure that justice is served. Immediate corrective measures are necessary to protect the constitutional rights of individuals facing legal action and to restore faith in the integrity of the judicial process.
