‘America’s Toughest Sheriff’ in contempt of court

Associated Press

PHOENIX

A judge found the longtime sheriff of metro Phoenix in contempt of court Friday for disobeying his orders in a racial-profiling case, bringing the lawman who calls himself “America’s Toughest Sheriff” a step closer to a possible criminal contempt case that could expose him to fines and even jail time.

The ruling Friday marked one of the biggest legal defeats in the six-term career of Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who is known for cracking down on illegal immigration, and was expected to lead to greater court oversight of his office. A hearing will take place May 31 to examine whether he will face a criminal- contempt case.

The 83-year-old Arpaio, who is seeking a seventh term this year, and three of his top aides “have demonstrated a persistent disregard for the orders of this court, as well as an intention to violate and manipulate the laws and policies regulating their conduct,” U.S. District Judge Murray Snow wrote in a 162-page ruling.

Judge Snow ruled three years ago that Arpaio’s officers systematically racially profiled Latinos in regular traffic stops and immigration patrols. He ordered a sweeping overhaul of the agency, including making patrol officers wear body cameras and conducting more training to ensure officers aren’t making unconstitutional traffic stops.

Arpaio has acknowledged violating Snow’s orders, including letting deputies conduct his signature immigration patrols 18 months after the judge barred them.