Florence, AZ – Pinal County Attorney James P. Walsh announced the donation of $1,500 in RICO funds to the Tri City Archers Association (T.C.A.) in support of their youth programs.

T.C.A. offers free archery lessons and other services to boys and girls from the communities of San Manuel, Oracle, Mammoth and surrounding areas. The main aim of the organization is to offer an alcohol, drug and gang-free environment for children in an area that has very few activities for them.

“Organizations such as the Tri City Archers Association are vital to short and long-term crime prevention efforts,” Pinal County Attorney Walsh said. “I am happy to help T.C.A. and other grass roots organizations give opportunities for healthy activities to our young people.”

“The year-round archery lessons program serves more than 30 children on a weekly basis. The more they do with such groups the less the temptation to break the law,” Walsh said.

T.C.A. has worked with area schools that have archery on their education programs. The organization has also held tournaments with participants from around Southern Arizona.

The County Attorney’s Office has RICO (Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations) funds that stem from seizures of money or property used in gang, narcotics or racketeering related crimes or are the profits of such crimes. RICO fund allocation and uses are governed by Arizona Revised Statutes, Section 13-2314.03.

The Office expends more than 70 percent of its RICO funds for law enforcement activities. The remainder is used for prevention programs, such as support for non-profit organizations, like the Tri City Archers Association that work with youth or the community in general to prevent the causes of crime.

For more information call Kostas Kalaitzidis at 520 866 6699 or 520 709 1333 or email at Kostas.kalaitzidis@pinalcountyaz.gov