Making a Difference While Making a Living
 Before the pandemic, Kelley McDonald served as a Human Resources Associate at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. In early 2020, after being accepted to the University of Arizona School of Law, she left the office to pursue her law degree. In May of 2023, Kelley returned to MCAO with a law degree and as a Prosecutor I. This was the only place Kelley wanted to practice law and is proud to be one of the newest prosecutors to join the office.
  Where's My Car?
July is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month
Don't think your car can get stolen? Think again! In 2022, over 1 million people had their cars stolen. Even more surprising was the fact that in about 54% of these cases, the theft was a result of user error (think: leaving your key fob in your unlocked car).
Is my vehicle a target? Auto theft is a crime of opportunity. Contrary to what some may think, used trucks and cars are targeted more than newer models because their lack of anti-theft devices makes them easier to steal.
Hot Wheels 🔥 Here are the top 10 most stolen vehicles in Arizona according to the most recent data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
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Vehicular Heatstroke is Animal Abuse
Quick and irreversible harm: Vehicular heatstroke is a silent killer that claims the lives of many innocent pets every year. Even a few minutes in a hot car can cause harm, particularly with the triple-digit weather we are expecting this month. If you leave a pet in a hot car, not only do you risk losing your furry friend, but you could also face criminal charges.
 From Animal Cruelty Prosecutor Thomas Rinehart: "These are important cases, the animals involved deserve to have a voice, and intervening early can prevent the behavior from escalating to greater violence."
Our best advice? Know before you go: If you can't take your pet with you wherever you are headed, it's best they stay home and not in a hot car. As always, preventing vehicular heatstroke is a community effort.
If you see a pet in a hot car, please call 911.
It's Prime-time for Summer Scams
 Summer brings opportunities for everyone, including scammers! Don't let the excitement of summer sales blind you from online shopping scams. Keep an eye out for scammers with these tips:
- 👀 Beware of lookalike websites and fake social media ads
- 🔒 Check the website name and look for a lock next to the URL
- 💭 Think before you click on unsolicited emails or text with links
- 💡 If it's too good to be true, it's probably a scam
- 💳 Always pay with a credit card! Avoid unsafe payment methods such as Venmo, Zelle, bitcoin or digital wallets
 Facts on Fentanyl: How do teens get fentanyl?
The answer: social media.
Fentanyl and fentanyl-laced substances, like counterfeit pills, are sold on social media sites like Snapchat and Instagram where messages and images are deleted after they're opened. Drug dealers use marketing techniques such as trending hashtags, geotagging, advertisements, and emojis to promote their "products" and target "customers".
 Drug dealers use emojis to describe what they're selling. Do you think you can guess what they mean? Test your knowledge with this quiz.
It can be awkward and intimidating to talk about sensitive subjects, like fentanyl, with teenagers. One of the best ways to start is by listening. Ask your teens what they know, what they believe, and answer any questions they might have. Teens need to know they can come to you for help. It's also helpful to manage expectations surrounding social media use. A family plan is a great way to get started!
We're Here to Help
To learn more about fentanyl, schedule a presentation with our community education team. Our presentations are quick, to the point and best of all they're free! Sign up below.
 
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