Charles Ryan: Former Arizona Corrections director sentenced for armed standoff with police

PHOENIX - Charles Ryan, the former director of the Arizona Department of Corrections, was sentenced on Feb. 9 in connection to a standoff at his Tempe home.

Ryan pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct last December after police said he fired a gun inside his home and pointed a firearm at two officers during the three-hour standoff.

On Friday, Ryan was sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay an $8,500 fine to cover the Tempe Police Department's costs of conducting the investigation.

"I ask for your consideration, your honor, as an undesignated offense. I can assure you, as I've done for 25 months already, I will be successful in completing probation and I will remain alcohol-free for the balance of my life," Ryan told the judge in court.

Ryan told the judge he quit drinking, regularly attends AA meetings. and admitted he is ashamed of his behavior.

"I assure you, as I’ve done, I will complete probation, and I will be alcohol free for the balance of my life," said Ryan.

Ryan, who will soon turn 74, could have spent two years behind bars as a result of the incident.

Incident happened in 2022

Fmr. AZ corrections head sentenced to probation

Charles Ryan, the former director of the Arizona Department of Correction, received no jail time for a standoff with Tempe Police that happened two years ago. FOX 10's Brian Webb reports.

Officers were called to Ryan's house on Jan. 6, 2022, following a report that he had shot himself in the hand. Police later revealed that the hand injury was caused by a less-than-lethal projectile fired by police after Ryan pointed a handgun at officers. They say the projectile was found during surgery.

Ryan was also injured when he fired his gun before police arrived. He apparently suffered a cut to the forehead after a bullet hit a bathroom sink and sent a splinter of porcelain flying.

Police reports say Ryan had consumed half a bottle of tequila before officers arrived at his property. Police say he slurred his words, was antagonistic toward a negotiator and did not know why officers were there or what had happened to his injured hand.

Ryan told police he didn't remember pointing a gun at officers. He acknowledged drinking tequila that evening, though he said he had just two shots.

"It was an alcohol blackout, and it terrified him the thought the fact could happen," said defense attorney Craig Penrod.

Attorney Russ Richelsoph said Ryan's former job, along with his advanced age, probably helped his case.

"What do we need to do now? What proactive steps can we take to assure them that this was a one off event and it’s not going to happen again," Richelsoph said.

In September 2022, the Maricopa County Attorney issued a new policy, stating that any plea deal that includes the use of firearm during the commission of a felony would require a prison sentence, unless it has supervisor approval.

"It is my decision, and I’m happy to talk about that once this case is sentenced," said Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, when talking about the Ryan case in June 2023.