PHOENIX. (AP) — The former director of the Arizona Department of Veterans Services has been indicted for allegedly misusing public money, sidestepping state procurement rules and allowing his department to hire his wife and son.
The indictment of Peoria resident Patrick Chorpenning, Sr. was announced by Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard on Thursday.
The 62-year-old was charged with four counts of conflict of interest, one count of fraudulent schemes and practices, two counts of misuse of public monies, and one count of violation of procurement code. All are felonies.
Chorpenning was director of the department from 1999 until problems at the state veterans nursing home led to his resignation in March 2007.
Chorpenning's phone number is unlisted.
