SE Valley Times

Mesa City Council has appointed Stephen Umpleby to be the new Presiding City Magistrate, as approved during the April 15 City Council meeting. Mayor John Giles commended Umpleby, stating, "In his three years on the bench, Judge Umpleby has proven to be an innovative, compassionate and excellent magistrate. He is part of an outstanding judicial team that has made Mesa the best city court in our state."

Judge Umpleby, who has been a City Magistrate with Mesa Municipal Court since February 2021, has introduced initiatives such as the Domestic Violence Court, aiming to reduce recidivism through rehabilitation and increased offender accountability. The Court has achieved a recidivism rate more than six times less than the national average. Additionally, Umpleby has overseen various court proceedings, including weekly jury trials, bench trials, hearings, and depositions.

Expressing his gratitude for the appointment, Judge Umpleby stated, "It is truly an honor to be a magistrate in Mesa and to be appointed by City Council as Presiding Chief Magistrate. I look forward to continue working with the dedicated judges and staff of Mesa Municipal Court to make sure the courts are operating efficiently and that justice is served promptly and fairly."

Before serving as a magistrate, Umpleby held positions as an Assistant Mesa City Prosecutor and Deputy Maricopa County Attorney. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Weber State University and obtained his Juris Doctorate from Arizona State University. Umpleby, along with his wife and two young children, is actively involved in their schools and sporting events.

Judge Umpleby's appointment comes as he replaces Presiding City Magistrate John Tatz, who has been appointed as Presiding City Magistrate in his hometown of Peoria.