The criminal assault trial of former Williams Police Lieutenant John Anthony Romero, 48 is set to begin today in Flagstaff. Romero, who faces two felony counts, is accused of assaulting a handcuffed suspect causing great bodily injury.
A Coconino County grand jury indicted Romero in October of 2025 on one count of aggravated assault causing “temporary but substantial injury,” a Class 4 felony, and one count of aggravated assault against a person who is physically restrained or whose “capacity to resist is substantially impaired,” a Class 6 felony.
Romero reportedly turned down a plea offer that would have had him serve 1 year in jail and 3 years probation, according to multiple sources. If convicted on both felony charges, Romero could face a significant prison sentence given the seriousness of the crimes and his position as a Police Officer at the time that the offenses were committed.
An estimated four day jury trial is scheduled to begin today, June 9, and run through Friday, June 12. Numerous witnesses have been subpoenaed, including current and former Williams Police Officers.
The Mohave County Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution at the request of the Coconino County Attorney. The trial is expected to take all week.
Romero is being represented in court by David Tangren of Oliverson Law.
