Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says the decision by federal prosecutors to pursue a criminal-contempt charge against him is politically motivated. Arpaio has been the subject of federal scrutiny for years due to his tough stance on illegal immigration.
Arpaio could spend up to six months in jail if he is found guilty.
According to the Arizona Republic, “the move has few precedents in U.S. history, as prosecutors endorsed a federal judge’s findings that the lawman intentionally violated the judge’s orders.”
“Arpaio has not yet officially been charged,” noted the Republic article. “U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton asked the federal government to write an order to show cause for her to sign by Wednesday. That will serve as a charging document for the case to go forward against Arpaio.”