Arizona sheriff officially charged with criminal contempt
PHOENIX — The longtime sheriff of metropolitan Phoenix was charged Tuesday with criminal contempt-of-court for ignoring a judge’s order in a racial-profiling case, leaving the 84-year-old lawman in a tough spot two weeks before Election Day as he seeks a seventh term.
The U.S. Department of Justice promised two weeks ago that it would prosecute Sheriff Joe Arpaio, but the misdemeanour count wasn’t officially filed against him until U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton signed it.
Arpaio could face up to six months in jail if convicted. A misdemeanour conviction would not bar Arpaio from serving as sheriff.
Democratic challenger Paul Penzone said Arpaio, through his acts of political defiance, has no one to blame but himself for the charge.