Official in Buss Tax Deal Reinstated : Arizona Deputy County Attorney Agrees to Resign Shortly

Joe Abodeely, an Arizona deputy county attorney, has agreed to resign as part of a settlement in which recent charges against him were dropped and he was reinstated to his position with full benefits.

Abodeely negotiated a $1 million settlement several months ago with Jerry Buss, owner of the Lakers and Kings, and Buss’ business associate, Frank Mariani, over unpaid property taxes.

A month later, the Maricopa County Attorney’s office, where Abodeely has worked for 15 years, put him on administrative leave. He was fired several weeks later.

The reasons given for the firing were “unprofessional conduct” in the Buss-Mariani case, the allegation that Abodeely had allegedly spoken to the media in violation of office policy in an undercover drug operation case, and his alleged use of off-color remarks in his office.

Abodeely filed a notice of appeal and a hearing on the matter was to have begun Wednesday. The settlement was agreed upon Wednesday morning, however.

The agreement states that the charges were withdrawn “after a thorough and complete investigation by Maricopa County.” It says that Abodeely will resign by Sept. 27 because “the employer-employee relationship has deteriorated so that continued employment would further prolong strained relationships.”

Tom Collins, county attorney and Abodeely’s boss, had no comment.

“I think the settlement vindicates me of any allegations of improper conduct,” Abodeely said. “All charges have been withdrawn. As to whether my boss has been political on this matter or not, I don’t care to speculate.”

According to Abodeely, the decision to ask Buss and Mariani for $1 million was made in a meeting at which he was joined by Collins and other county officials.

The Maricopa County Assessor’s office had determined that Buss and Mariani had underpaid taxes on 206 Arizona properties by $522,435.05.

Abodeely said he asked for the additional money to cover attorney fees, penalties, uncomputed interest and the cost of a nine-month investigation.

As for his future, Abodeely said he has been approached by several people to enter Arizona politics and will consider that.