PHOENIX, Ariz. — A judge this week denied Michael Rizzo’s request to seal or expunge his Arizona criminal case record tied to violations of a court order, concluding that removing the case from public view would not be in the public interest given Rizzo’s prior role in public safety and his stated efforts to return to law enforcement.
The ruling came during a Jan. 15 hearing before Phoenix Judge Heidi Gilbert. Rizzo sought to seal records related to his guilty plea to interfering with judicial procedure by disobeying an order, a charge stemming from violations of an earlier order of protection obtained by his former partner.
Court records and statements made during the hearing reflect that although Rizzo pleaded guilty, the case was later dismissed after he completed a domestic violence diversion program. Despite that dismissal, the judge declined to seal the record.
During the hearing, Rizzo told the court he was seeking employment with three different law enforcement agencies and asserted that those agencies would hire him if the record were sealed. The judge indicated she found that representation alarming, raising concerns about transparency and the prospect of a former officer returning to positions of authority contingent on concealing a court record from public view.
In denying the request, the judge emphasized the public’s interest in access to records involving former law enforcement officers and cited existing public court records and prior reporting by Kenosha County Eye documenting Rizzo’s conduct. The court concluded that sealing the case would undermine accountability without serving a legitimate rehabilitative purpose.
The judge also noted that Rizzo would be eligible to seek expungement again after three years, a point that visibly frustrated him. During the hearing, Rizzo repeatedly talked over the judge and was admonished to stop interrupting the court.
Rizzo is currently suing Kenosha County Eye over coverage detailing his restraining order history and misconduct findings from his prior law enforcement employment in Wisconsin.
Kenosha County Eye sought comment from Rizzo regarding the judge’s ruling, his statements about prospective law enforcement employment, and the court’s findings. Rizzo did not respond.
23 Responses
Now his only option to continue with his law enforcement career is with ICE. They want dim-witted thugs to work for them.
You are a moron!
You may agree or disagree with this individual but the individual has a right to express themselves. This is America.
Not if they’re in America ILLEGALY, they don’t have the “right” to even be here, Duh!
The majority of Americans do not support what Trump is doing with ICE. Inflation is still a big problem and Trump continues to create more conflict all over the world. The only people who support Trump is that hardcore group of MAGA cultists.
You guys are actually the minority. What if the shoe was on the other foot? What if some group of crazed government supported, heavily armed thugs started to hunt all of you down. Would you people simply accept your fate?
They are criminals who knowingly committed the crime of entering the country illegally, knowing that they could be sent back at any moment if caught. If someone robbed a bank and got away with it, would you be okay with them just getting a free pass. Criminals are criminals are criminals… don’t like it? I hear you can move to another country where it won’t be ur problem … GOODBYE!
Your first sentence mentioned inflation. What do u think 30 million “extra” people do to housing prices, food prices, and any other product they compete with you for?
Correct, it “inflates “ the cost it’s called supply and demand. In case u weren’t aware, that’s an extra 5-10 percent of people here buying more food, renting more apartments, and working for lower wages under the table.
We have the guns , you sissy.
If you are referring to government officials as “heavily armed thugs” ….you are part of the problem.
WTH does this have to go with the topic of this article? Absolutely nothing! Your TDS is showing, you people are so obsessed with Trump that you manage to turn everything into your hatred of him. Get a life and some mental health treatment ASAP!
You guys always seem to think because youre the loudest youre right and have support. This is no different than the BLM riots that destroyed multiple cities. Howd that work out for you? Because youre out there every night causing trouble and getting news coverage doesnt mean people support you. Most want the criminals off the streets. You just think you speak for everyone. Easy solution is turn over the criminals at the jails. That would get them out of the neighborhoods and prevent shootings like that Good lady. It would also eliminate the ones that get get caught up for riding with someone ICE is looking for. It seems like a no brainer to me but then you guys would have nothing to do at night,would ya?
Weird, you spelled ANTIFA wrong.
So, you have penis envy. Sounds like a “white dude for Kamala” homosexual….
Thank you for forcing transparency..
Too much is swept under the rug when it comes to corruption..
Great news. Just not BluE .
I hear Minneapolis is hiring. 18 to Ice And 100 on leave with pay….Will fit right in.
This guy is a textbook narcissist. Wow.
Talking over the judge ? He’s an entitled asshole.
Maybe another tattoo will help. 🤡
This guy should not be an officer sounds like to me.
Thanks for keeping people accountable Kevin! This is what true, honest journalism is about…the truth!
Scumbag loser. No better than the people he arrested.
Your personality traits conflict with what law enforcement should possess. Time to find a new career.
People make me sick! This ENTIRE article is about Rizzo and ya’ll go into immigration shit! Just ignorant af smh.
Oan Rizzo’s case should never be sealed and he shouldn’t be a cop.
That’s because Democrats are obsessed with Trump cleaning up Biden’s mess.