Yuma county hires outside attorney to investigate County Treasurer over public funds concerns

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Yuma County Board of Supervisors has approved hiring an outside attorney to investigate allegations involving County Treasurer David Alexandre.

The decision came during Monday's board meeting, where discussion on the matter was limited due to potential legal concerns. Supervisors say the issue stems from an internal review into how public funds were allegedly used within the Treasurer's Office.

According to county leaders, that review was conducted in coordination with the Yuma County Attorney's Office and identified several issues that required corrective action. However, Alexandre has disputed those findings and retained his own legal counsel.

That move created conflict for the County Attorney's Office. As a result, supervisors voted to bring in outside legal representation, approving a Phoenix-based law firm, at a rate of $850 per hour, to handle the matter moving forward.

“When concerns are raised about the use of public funds, the county has a duty to investigate," Martin Porchas, Yuma County Board of Supervisors Chairman, said. "In this instance the county conducted a review in coordination with the county attorney’s office which identifies several issues that require corrective action.”

County supervisors say no legal action has been filed at this time, but they are preparing for that possibility as the situation develops.

KYMA reached out to both the county and Treasurer Alexandre for comment but did not receive a response.