Retired Pima County Superior Court Judge John Leonardo has been nominated to serve as U.S. attorney for the District of Arizona by President Obama.
"Judge John S. Leonardo's legal career has been distinguished and impressive," Obama said in a news release. "I am confident that, as a U.S. attorney, he will be relentless in his pursuit of justice and serve the people of Arizona with distinction."
Leonardo was a Pima County Superior Court judge from 1993 until his retirement Feb. 29, serving as presiding judge for several years. He most recently sat on the capital murder trials of Shawna Forde, Jason Bush and Albert Gaxiola, who were convicted of killing Raul Junior Flores, 29, and Brisenia Flores, 9, in Arivaca in May 2009.
"I am honored by the president's nomination and look forward to the Senate confirmation process," Leonardo said.
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Leonardo has a reputation among attorneys as being a stickler for preparedness, meeting deadlines and imposing fair sentences.
"He's a consummate professional who looks at things through the lens of what is the law and what is the right thing to do," said current Pima County Superior Court Presiding Judge Sarah Simmons. "He's one of those people who earns respect by his own integrity."
Defense attorney Michael Piccarreta first met Leonardo when Leonardo was an assistant U.S. attorney.
"As a prosecutor, he was even-tempered, intelligent and reasonable in his analysis and that continued when he was a judge," Piccarreta said. "I think he's an excellent choice."
The fact that Leonardo has experience as a prosecutor and credibility from being a judge will "lend prestige" to the office, Piccarreta said.
Since he is a thoughtful man, Piccarreta speculated Leonardo will proceed cautiously when weighing any changes within the office.
"I think it's wonderful news," said defense attorney Walter Nash. "He's imminently fair and thoroughly professional. I think the office will be well-served with him at the helm."
Although the position is often politically charged, Nash doesn't think that will be an issue for Leonardo.
"I don't believe John's politically motivated or upwardly mobile in that sense," Nash said. "I think he will try to do the right thing. Any decisions he makes will not be driven by politics. What he does I think will be based on the law and the facts and what his heart thinks is the right thing to do."
Simmons agreed.
"I have absolute faith, based on my knowing him and his tenure here as presiding judge, that he will negotiate with grace and good humor and absolute integrity," Simmons said.
Before becoming a judge Leonardo was an assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana from 1973 to 1982 and for the District of Arizona from 1982 to 1993. Leonardo was also an assistant state's attorney for Prince George's County, Maryland. Leonardo graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1969 and from the George Washington University School of Law in 1972.
Contact reporter Kim Smith at 573-4241 or kimsmith@azstarnet.com
