Defense Attorney Josh Kolsrud Demands Fair Trial in Paradise Valley Embezzlement Case

Late last week, Paradise Valley Police announced formal recommendations to charge former Public Works Superintendent Brent Skogland with theft and misuse of public monies, alleging he spent more than $10,000 in taxpayer funds on personal items. The discovery—made last April by incoming public works director Jerry Cooper during a routine budget review—has rocked one of Arizona’s smallest but wealthiest municipalities. As investigators seized over a hundred items from Skogland’s property, the spotlight has turned to his defense team, led by veteran criminal attorney Josh Kolsrud.

The Allegations in Brief

Between 2021 and 2023, Skogland allegedly charged purchases ranging from a motorcycle battery and pool motor repairs to a North Face jacket for his wife, all on the town’s credit accounts.  Suspicious line-item overages prompted Cooper to alert Paradise Valley leadership shortly before his retirement. • The cumulative amount—just over $10,000—may seem modest, but in a small town budget it forced critical maintenance projects to be deferred until the next fiscal year. • Paradise Valley Police have recommended charges of theft and misuse of public funds and conducted a thorough property search, yielding more than 100 items linked to the alleged scheme.

Josh Kolsrud’s Response

In a statement to Fox 10 News, Brent Skogland’s attorney, Josh Kolsrud, pushed back against what he called a premature media conviction. “We believe cases should be tried in a court of law, not in the media,” Kolsrud said. “This is a misunderstanding with an innocent explanation, and once formal charges are filed we will address this matter in court.”

Key Takeaways from Kolsrud’s Comments

• Due Process Emphasis: By highlighting the need for a courtroom resolution, Kolsrud signals that his client will vigorously challenge the charges rather than settle out of court or admit wrongdoing.
• Innocent Explanation: The defense suggests the purchases were mischaracterized and that Skogland had a legitimate, if poorly documented, reason for each transaction.
• Media Trial Pushback: Kolsrud’s insistence on avoiding a “trial by news broadcast” foreshadows potential motions to limit pretrial publicity or to exclude statements made outside the judicial process.

What’s Next?

Paradise Valley will await the county attorney’s formal filing of charges, an event that typically takes several weeks as prosecutors review the police recommendation and evidence. If charges proceed, an arraignment will set key dates for pretrial motions, discovery exchanges, and possible resolution talks. • The town’s leadership has underscored its commitment to transparency and accountability, vowing to recover any misused funds through restitution or asset forfeiture if Skogland is convicted.

Why This Matters

Embezzlement prosecutions in small jurisdictions are rare but carry outsized consequences: every dollar diverted from public works directly impacts road repairs, park maintenance, and essential services. For the residents of Paradise Valley—who entrust elected and appointed officials with a generous annual budget—this case tests their faith in local government oversight.

As the legal teams prepare for the next steps, the community and taxpayers will be watching closely. Will Kolsrud’s promise of an “innocent explanation” hold up under judicial scrutiny? Or will the prosecution’s evidence of deliberate misuse of funds prevail? One thing is certain: in the months ahead, the court of law—not the court of public opinion—will determine Brent Skogland’s fate.