By Lindsay Walker
Twitter: @AzNewsmedia

After a difficult year, Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel is stepping aside from the job temporarily. 

Adel announced the news in a statement from her office on Friday afternoon, saying she would be seeking treatment for anxiety, an eating disorder and alcohol use. 

“After a very difficult year for me medically, professionally and personally, I have made the decision to seek treatment for anxiety and to address unhealthy coping behaviors including an eating disorder and alcohol use,” she said in a prepared statement. “This is a very difficult announcement because I, like many others, have tried to address these issues on my own. However, I know that if I am to be successful in my recovery I must be honest and hold myself accountable. I have a challenging journey ahead to do better and be better for my friends, family, staff, this community and ultimately myself.” 

Adel was rushed to the hospital on Election Night on Nov. 3 for a brain bleed that resulted from a fall at her home. She was hospitalized for several weeks and treated at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix following surgery.

Adel won the race against Democratic challenger Julie Gunnigle on Nov. 9 after she was appointed to office in October 2019 when her predecessor Bill Montgomery became a judge for the Arizona Supreme Court. 

In her statement, Adel asked for patience while she seeks treatment but assured residents she would still be in daily contact with her office. 

“I am in daily contact with my leadership team while seeking treatment to ensure the important business of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office continues,” she said. “I am committed to rising to meet this challenge and I thank you for allowing me the grace to do so.”