QUEEN CREEK, AZ – In response to increasing teen violence and group attacks, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced a proposed statutory change that would create a new category of crime called “swarming.” Supported by Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley, Queen Creek Police Chief, and state legislators, the proposed legislation aims to target groups who commit violent assaults, elevating the charge to a Class Four felony.
Swarming is defined as the act of two or more accomplices attacking an individual. Under current law, such assaults may be charged as a Class Six felony, which can be reduced to a misdemeanor. The proposed change would make the crime a clear felony offense, with no possibility of misdemeanor reduction.
“The issue with a Class Six felony is that it can be downgraded to a misdemeanor,” said County Attorney Mitchell. “This statutory change ensures that group assaults will be treated as a serious crime—a Class Four felony.”
The legislation is a direct response to recent attacks by a group of teens known as the Gilbert Goons. Since December, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) has handled at least 18 cases involving group assaults. Though much of the public attention has been on incidents in the East Valley, MCAO reports show that this alarming trend is countywide.
“In every corner of the county, and even across the state, teen violence is escalating, and we are seeing a disturbing rise in the severity of these attacks,” added Mitchell.
State Representatives Matt Gress and Julie Willoughby have voiced support for the initiative and plan to work with fellow legislators during the upcoming session to pass the bill. “Being attacked by a group elevates the fear and the risk of serious injury,” said Rep. Gress. “I commend County Attorney Mitchell for taking the lead on this important issue.”
For more information on MCAO’s anti-teen violence initiative, Report, Don’t Repost, visit MaricopaCountyAttorney.org/RDR.
