Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Sheriff Joe Arpaio to face criminal charges for immigration patrols

Via Billy

FILE - In this Jan. 9, 2013, file photo, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio speaks to reporters in Phoenix, Ariz. A judge will hold a hearing in Phoenix, Ariz., Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, to discuss legal issues raised by a recommendation that prosecutors file a criminal contempt-of-court case against Arpaio. The hearing falls the day before early voting starts in Arpaio's bid for a seventh term as metro Phoenix's top law enforcer. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

 Go, Joe go! :)

Prosecutors said Tuesday they will charge Sheriff Joe Arpaio with criminal contempt-of-court for defying a judge’s orders to end his signature immigration patrols in Arizona, exposing the 84-year-old lawman to the possibility of jail time.

The announcement in federal court sets in motion criminal proceedings against the sheriff less than a month before Election Day as he seeks a seventh term as Maricopa County sheriff. The 2016 election cycle has also seen Arpaio take a prominent role on the national stage, appearing alongside Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on several occasions.

A judge previously recommended criminal contempt charges against Arpaio but left it up to federal prosecutors to actually bring the case. Prosecutor John Keller said in court that the government will bring charges, with the next step being a court filing possibly in the next day that’s akin to a criminal complaint.

Arpaio could face up to six months in jail if convicted of misdemeanor contempt.

2 comments:

  1. This is a case study in judicial over-reach. The judge is making law and enforcing it from the bench on no more authority than his own will. Contempt statutes vary from state to state but they seriously need to be reviewed to give strict limits on judicial authority.

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    Replies
    1. The judge is making law and enforcing it from the bench on no more authority than his own will.

      Absolutely.

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