On Thursday, October 17, 2024, the Daily Independent reported that Judge Aaron Douglas LaSota had resigned from his position as presiding magistrate of the City of Apache Junction. LaSota, who began his tenure in 2021 with an annual salary of $125,000, is now set to be replaced as the city seeks to hire a new magistrate with a salary ranging from $140,000 to $180,000.
LaSota’s resignation comes amid a separation agreement that includes a settlement related to a pending discrimination lawsuit he initiated against the Pinal County Superior Court. This lawsuit, which alleged discriminatory practices, is expected to be withdrawn as part of the agreement. The details of the separation include a non-wage compensation payment of $63,936.31 and an additional $9,313.69, which will be classified as wages after required tax deductions.
The Apache Junction City Council unanimously approved the separation agreement on October 1, 2024, during a consent agenda meeting that included several other items. As part of the agreement, LaSota will continue receiving his regular wages until October 1, and his health insurance benefits will remain active through the end of the month.
The Apache Junction Municipal Court, where LaSota served, handles various legal matters, including misdemeanor offenses, civil traffic violations, and city code violations within the city limits. The court is also authorized to hear petitions for orders of protection and injunctions against harassment, in accordance with Arizona state law.
The separation agreement stipulates that LaSota does not have any other outstanding legal claims against the city or related parties, aside from the aforementioned discrimination charge. Each party involved in the agreement will bear their own legal fees and costs associated with the dismissal of the lawsuit.
As the city moves forward in its search for a new presiding magistrate, LaSota’s departure marks a significant change in the local judiciary landscape in Apache Junction.
Source: Daily Independent
