Judge OKs attorneys' request to withdraw from polygamous town corruption case

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Kingman, Ariz. • A Mohave County judge has granted a request by attorneys for two former Colorado City fire officials accused of misusing public funds to withdraw from the case.

William Darger and Jacob Barlow have pleaded not guilty to felony charges of violating the duty of a custodian of public money, and participating in and assisting in a criminal syndicate. Barlow, the former fire chief, faces 30 counts. Darger, who served as the fire district's secretary/treasurer, faces 13.

Attorneys Colin Campbell and Michael Piccarreta had argued that the men are indigent and entitled to court-appointed counsel. The Mohave Daily News reports that the attorneys' fees had exceeded $100,000 and hadn't been paid in full.

Judge Steven Conn granted the request Tuesday for the attorneys to withdraw from the case.