PHOENIX — Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel has announced she's entering treatment for stress, anxiety, an eating disorder and alcohol use.
She released a personal statement to the media through her office Friday afternoon.
“After a very difficult year for me medically, professionally and personally, I have made the decision to seek treatment for anxiety and to address unhealthy coping behaviors including an eating disorder and alcohol use. This is a very difficult announcement because I, like many others, have tried to address these issues on my own,” Adel wrote in her statement.
The County Attorney suffered a brain bleed following a fall in October last year. She underwent emergency surgery and was hospitalized for several weeks.
When Adel returned to work in a larger capacity in early 2021, she faced a massive scandal following an ABC15 investigation that uncovered her office colluded with Phoenix Police to falsely charge protesters with made-up crimes.
Members of Adel’s leadership team instructed prosecutors to seek gang charges against protesters.
As a result, MCAO and Phoenix Police invented a fake gang to charge the demonstrators.
An outside investigation conducted by a retired judge, who was hired by MCAO, concluded that Adel was not informed about the gang charges before they were officially filed.
However, one of the key prosecutors on the protest cases claims that Adel was aware.
An MCAO spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions about when Adel entered treatment. In her statement, the county attorney said she will remain in daily contact with her leadership team while seeking treatment.
Read Allister Adel's full statement below:
"After a very difficult year for me medically, professionally and personally, I have made the decision to seek treatment for anxiety and to address unhealthy coping behaviors including an eating disorder and alcohol use. This is a very difficult announcement because I, like many others, have tried to address these issues on my own.
However, I know that if I am to be successful in my recovery, I must be honest and hold myself accountable. I have a challenging journey ahead to do better and be better for my friends, family, staff, this community and ultimately myself. I hope that you will find it in your hearts to give me the opportunity.
None of us are born perfect and life comes with unexpected challenges. We all have obstacles we face in life and this is what makes us human. I admit that I am far from perfect. For most, this is a private journey but as an elected official I know I am held to a different standard. At this time, I ask for patience as I seek to better myself for my family, my friends and our community.
I am in daily contact with my leadership team while seeking treatment to ensure the important business of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office continues. I am committed to rising to meet this challenge and I thank you for allowing me the grace to do so."
Stay with ABC15.com for updates.
