Law Enforcement Officer Charged with Possession and Receipt of Child Pornography

Alaa Robert Bartley, a 41-year-old Phoenix Police Department officer from Gilbert, faces charges related to the distribution and possession of child pornography.

Arrested on Friday, Bartley is accused of engaging in the exchange of sexually explicit material involving minors through a social media platform. This exchange occurred between August 2020 and February 2022, wherein Bartley, under a pseudonym and revealing his identity as a police officer, communicated with an adult woman. This woman, separately charged in the Eastern District of Michigan, allegedly sent Bartley images depicting child sexual abuse.

The federal criminal complaint against Bartley includes one count of knowingly receiving child pornography and one count of knowingly possessing such material.

The severity of the charges is underscored by the potential penalties: a minimum of five years to a maximum of 20 years in prison for receiving child pornography, and up to 20 years for possession, depending on the age of the children depicted.

Additionally, Bartley could face a fine of up to $250,000 and a lifetime of supervised release. The FBI leads the investigation, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona prosecuting the case.

Students to Receive New Shoes Thanks to Gilbert Education Foundation Initiative

The Gilbert Education Foundation, in collaboration with Mountain America Credit Union and the ASU Sun Devil Club, has announced a shoe donation drive to benefit students at Gilbert Elementary.

This philanthropic effort underscores the foundation's commitment to supporting the educational and personal needs of students within the Gilbert Public School District. The foundation, a key advocate for educational enrichment and innovation, has been instrumental in bringing together these partners to make a tangible difference in the lives of young learners.

This initiative, marked by the forthcoming "Big Shoe Day" event on April 9, promises not only the gift of new shoes to the students but also an unforgettable experience.

With special appearances by "Sparky" the Sun Devil and ASU athletes, the day is set to be a memorable one, featuring shoe distributions, autograph sessions, and engaging activities. The event highlights the power of community collaboration in enriching students' lives beyond the classroom.

For more than two decades, the Gilbert Education Foundation has been a beacon of support for the district's students and teachers, raising nearly $3 million to fund various educational programs and initiatives. This shoe donation event is a testament to the foundation's ongoing mission to foster a positive and supportive educational environment for all.

More Info: https://gefaz.org/

Gilbert Residents Win $125,000 Settlement and Right to Display Signs at Council Meetings

Gilbert has reached a settlement agreement, awarding $125,000 to three residents who were ejected from a council meeting by Mayor Brigette Peterson for holding sign-carrying criticism.

The settlement also ushers in revised public meeting protocols, permitting the display of signs by attendees, provided they do not obstruct views or disrupt proceedings.

This development emerges from two lawsuits initiated by Dr. Brandon Ryff, who alongside Ryan Handelsman and Joanne Terry, faced expulsion from a 2022 council meeting for their silent protest.

The resolution of these legal actions marks a significant shift towards safeguarding free speech and expression within public meetings in Gilbert, addressing previous concerns over the town's decorum rules' ambiguity and potential infringement on constitutional rights.

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