By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Jarrett Maupin, a Phoenix civil rights activist known for representing victims of police violence and their families, has been indicted on nine felony counts, involving allegations of check fraud.
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Prosecutors allege Maupin fraudulently cashed checks in incidents dating back to 2022. Maupin’s attorney, Robert McWhirter, said he is innocent and that they look forward to showing that in court.
Maupin has built a reputation for making bold statements and drawing attention to cases involving police violence. He often speaks out on behalf of victims of police violence and their families.
Current charges
Maupin appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the latest indictment. His attorney noted his ties to the community during the arraignment.
“He is currently a candidate for Phoenix City Council. So he’s not going any place,” McWhirter said.
Court documents show Maupin cashed personal checks belonging to two people and a cashier’s check from a business. The checks date back to March and November 2022. Records show they were each less than $25,000.
Jason Lamm, a criminal defense attorney not involved in this case, provided perspective on the charges.
“The charges themselves are not overtly serious because the amount of loss is relatively minimal, under $25,000,” Lamm said.
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Lamm said Maupin’s previous conviction is unlikely to impact the current case.
“Because it’s more than 10 years old, a judge will likely not allow the prosecution to cross examine Jarrett Maupin on this,” Lamm said.
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office, which is prosecuting the case, declined to comment.
Past controversies
Controversy has followed Maupin over the years. In 2008, he accused then-Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon of a sex crime. The following year, he pleaded guilty to providing a false statement to the FBI. In September, he petitioned city leaders to rename a street after Charlie Kirk.
Maupin is due back in court in July and did not have to pay bail.
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