Feds Drop Criminal Case Against Sheriff Joe Arpaio
- Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:38pm by
Jason Howerton
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Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio (Credit: Getty Images
PHOENIX (AP) — Federal authorities announced Friday that they’re closing their abuse-of-power investigation into Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio in Arizona without filing charges against him.
Authorities were investigating America’s self-proclaimed toughest sheriff for his part in failed public corruption cases against officials who were odds with him. Arpaio brought cases against a judge and two county officials in 2009.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann Birmingham Scheel released a statement saying her office “is closing its investigation into allegations of criminal conduct” by current and former members of the sheriff‘s and county attorney’s offices.
Scheel didn’t elaborate, saying only that County Attorney Bill Montgomery was advised of the decision “not to pursue state criminal charges related to the investigation.” Scheel, who is based in Arizona, said she was acting on behalf of the U.S. Department of Justice.
The federal probe focused specifically on the investigative work of the sheriff’s anti-public-corruption squad that handled the failed cases against the officials. In a separate probe, the U.S. Justice Department has accused Arpaio’s office of a wide range of civil rights violations, and in an unrelated case, a federal judge has yet to rule in a civil case brought by a group of Latino plaintiffs that claimed Arpaio and his deputies engaged in racial profiling.
The 79-year-old sheriff and his top ally, former County Attorney Andrew Thomas, were embroiled in a three-year feud with county officials and judges and defended their investigations as necessary for rooting out corruption in government.
The officials who were targets of the investigations contend the probes were trumped up as retaliation for political and legal disagreements with the sheriff and prosecutor.
Critics say officials and judges who crossed Arpaio and in political disputes were often targeted for investigations and, in some cases, were criminally charged.
Criminal cases against former Superior Court Judge Gary Donahoe and county supervisors Mary Rose Wilcox and Don Stapley were dismissed after a judge ruled that Thomas prosecuted one of the three officials for political gain and had a conflict of interest in pressing the case.
Authorities say the charges against Donahoe were filed in a bid to prevent the judge from holding a hearing regarding Arpaio and Thomas’ claim that judges and county officials conspired to hinder a probe into the construction of a court building.
Donahoe had disqualified Thomas from handling the court building investigation and was poised to hold another hearing over a request to appoint special prosecutors to handle the probe. The hearing was called off after the charges were filed against the judge.
The judge also had been critical of the ability of Arpaio’s office to bring inmates to court on time for hearings.
Thomas was disbarred in early April by an ethics panel of the Arizona courts that found he brought unsuccessful criminal cases against the judge and two county officials for the purpose of embarrassing them.
In the separate probe, which is still ongoing, the Justice Department says Arpaio’s office racially profiles Latinos, retaliates against critics of its immigration patrols and bases its immigration patrols on racially charged citizen complaints that did not allege crimes. The sheriff denies the allegations.
And in the civil case, the Latino plaintiffs aren’t seeking monetary damages. Instead, they want a declaration that Arpaio’s office uses racial profiling and an order requiring policy changes. If Arpaio loses the case, he won’t face jail time or fines.
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Comments (164)
fromo1946
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 12:44amGreat job Sheriff Joe, it shows you’re doing your job above and in the open….unlike that POS Holder and Oblammie! We’re cheering you on, don’t let up.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 2:12pmFeds never had a case.
Report Post »oneshiner
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 2:14pmJoe, I LOVE YOU. Thank the Lord for you Joe. Saw you as speaker at a Knife & Fork dinner several years ago and for all the years we’ve attended these dinners, only 2 of the speakers were memorable and outstanding. You were one the other was John Goddard (a goal achiever).
We dropped out of the club because I got tired of hearing same ole, same ole dull stories. When you’ve heard the best the rest were mundane. LOVE YOU, JOE, and GOD bless you.
Report Post »dmerwin
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 3:01pmSo, at the end of the day, they used the threat to attempt to intimidate him without sufficient evidence to proceed to a legal action. This is a gross abuse of power and should be thoroughly investigated in February 2013. A certain central European nation used similar tactics to muzzle their population in the 1930′s.
Report Post »Honestybefore truth
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 3:21pmFunny about the coverage over this, in reply to Mary Rose Wilcox complaints about it, Sheriff Joe responded (essentially); It’s her President, her party in power, if she’s dissatisfied maybe she should support Romney.
Report Post »This is part of the way the left has been conducting their war against the Right. Being that they haven’t been able to sway the populace into supporting their beliefs, they have been attacking anyone who actually enforces the law.
ddg7
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 6:53pmEric Holder, “oops”.
Report Post »NeoFan
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 9:29pmSo where is JZS to explain why this is outstanding news for Obama and the commie leftists in the Administration?
Report Post »sillyfreshness
Posted on September 2, 2012 at 2:05amDoesn’t that just sound like something out of the Soviet Union or China. Charging this sheriff for “abuse of power” because he uncovers that our president is a foreign born fraud. We might as well be living in North Korea.
Report Post »ProbIemSoIver
Posted on September 2, 2012 at 9:03pmThe U.S. Justice Deparment is a Private Company.
They didn’t want the exposure from a case like that.
If I were Arapio, I would sue them for the unwarranted threat of criminal charges.
http://www.manta.com/mb?search=U.S.+Department+of+Justice
scroll down to #10. Click. See that it is a PRIVATE COMPANY. See Eric Holder as
Chief Executive Officer.
The time is long overdue to Throw off such a “government”.
Report Post »OneShotPagan
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 12:30amDamn! Must really be good! (what he’s got on Obummer) … You go Joe!
This In-Justice Department needs to be replaced! The continuing criminal enterprise which is the Justice Dept. and the White House needs to be prosecuted and Joe is the one to make the arrest!
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 12:41amJoe A. & crew may have some dirt on these dirt bags.
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 12:54amSheriff Joe ?………….DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY……..YES !
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 1:32amSorry Holder…. we are still going to hold you responsible and vote Obama out.
Nice try though…
Report Post »NHwinter
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 5:43amhttp://www.newswithviews.com/Evensen/greg175.htm
Very interresting article on the coming police state in America,
KURT1010
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 7:00amWonder how much of OUR money was spent on this case ?
Report Post »DEMOCRATS.ARE.EVIL
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 7:11amJoe is a REAL hero. An amazing man.
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 7:26am@ The Monk
These attacks will get worse. It is like a boxing match where the loser ignores the rules in desperation.
And I‘m sure you know whom I’m referring to…
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 8:16amNZKIWI, Considering that Arpaio is a former prosecutor with the DOJ, I‘m almost positive he’s not yet taken a sigh of relief over this. More than likely he is regrouping for the next attack.
Report Post »TikeSissy
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 8:19am@Sirfoldallot I couldn’t agree more with you..
Report Post »I wondered what Sheriff Joe’s investigative work into President Obama
background would be used for, this administration’s Achilles’ heel has been revealed.
SocialistSlayer
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 8:22amJoe has more American in him in one pinky than that Communist people call the President does in his entire body! Joe – you are a True American !
Report Post »forthepeople
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 8:26amElection Year explains everything.
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 9:10am@ RJ
The sheriff is getting on in years, but he will have the best of these amateurs yet, Of that I’m certain.
Like you, I admire him. He epitomises the true American spirit.
Report Post »The Jewish Avenger
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 9:33amIts a small and temp. victory, but a victory!
Go Joe!
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 9:42amWhen I was growing up in America, none of my friends middle name was HUSSIEN …….ya know ?
Report Post »drbage
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 9:53amOr the DOI nee DOJ realized that they could not afford another loss in a high profile criminal case this close to the election.
Report Post »Individualism
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 10:49amthis man needs to be in charge of the DHS.
Report Post »RSHLUVER
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 11:26amMore wasted tax dollars at work.
Report Post »U.N.hater
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 12:37pmIf the charges had reached the courts Obama would have to deffend against what Joe has uncover’ed. That would have been report‘ed on in some media outlet’s. Obama can‘t have the truth come’ing out befor the election.
Report Post »WindyDualism
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 1:47pmHoly cow! On 9-1-12, windy did not sound like his usual, half baked moronic self. Wonders never cease. Out of cheetos, red-bull or weed?
Report Post »KissMyAmericanFlag
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 3:26pmThat would certainly be turning of the tables on bhusseino&krew!
Report Post »USA DJ
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 12:30amI am curious as to why they dropped the charges. Only thing I can figure is they want to sweep this under the rug before it gets closer to the election. They are not to be trusted! Stick to your guns Joe.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 2:10amThey were trying to silence Joe in the first place
Report Post »cemerius
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 2:44amActually the DOJ is seeing the writing on the wall and ALL of their “chicago style” thuggery is about to end in January 2013!! I wish Joe a long long long life, it is a shame he is almost older than most of the US Senators!!
Report Post »johnpaulkuchtajr
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 6:11pmThe reason the charges were dropped are in the same league as why the trial of Major Nidal Hasan has been delayed by the Army Generals, better known as Obama lackeys and bed wetters.
Obama wants a Muslim jihadist on trial during the run-up to the election like he wants to see Joe Biden take the stage after he’s had two stiff single malt whiskeys!
Report Post »wianno94
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 12:28amCase was dropped because part of the discovery process required Obama to produce a real birth certificate.
Report Post »HOOT_OWL
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 3:29amDing ding ding…We have a winner..!
Report Post »BetterInformed
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 8:36amJo did spend tim in Hawaii and indicated he had the dirt.
Report Post »chatmandu002
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 12:13amThis was all about politics and Obama’s Department of Injustice wasted lots of time and money on this.
Report Post »Simonne
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:42amSo true. The election is coming up & it should be Holder in jail.
Report Post »woodyee
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 12:02amGaybama and Holder tried intimidating Sheriff Joe, but he would not be cowed. He leads by example, as this is how we should ALL respond, when confronted with the nonsense of the Left in public, in schools, and even while simply trying to enjoy a vacation! VOICE your disdain; DEFEND your children, your religion and your principles.
I wish NY’ers would organize a protest on the steps of NY City Hall; bring your fat cheeseburgers, supersized soda’s and fries, enjoy them, and then light up your favorite smoke while telling Nanny Bloomberg to stuff it! Once a month until he’s gone!
Report Post »LFOD_Yankee
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 12:11amWeekly, daily even. Live free or die!!!
Report Post »mecanic
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 12:17amgod bless Joe for standing up to the obomination.
Report Post »bjorn-free
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 12:02amHaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa……….Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa………… man-child schooled by an old man……that plays old school……..Joe I salute you sir ….. may the younger generation have at least half the juevos you have…!!!!!
Report Post »TelepromoterNChief
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 1:35amFunnier because it’s a white man.
Yes, that’s racist.
Report Post »All you pole smoking libs can get upset about that.
Oblama‘s got a white mommy so he’s a fraud there trying to be black.
hawaiianninja
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:58pmWhy do I smell something fishy here? Oh wait, maybe it’s a dead fish that Rahm Emmanuel forgot back at the White House. I can‘t help but be suspicious that there’s more to this story and that there’s some dastardly plans going on behind the curtains in the Oval Orifice. Still, good for Joe.
Report Post »LFOD_Yankee
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 12:09amI certainly hope you’re wrong, but, I wouldn’t put anything past the group currently occupying the swamp back east.
Report Post »Ray2447
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 3:40amIf enough elected officials confronted the Obama administration’s corruption as Sheriff Joe is doing, then we’d have the Obama administration on the run back to its rat hole(s) in Chicago. Keep it up Sheriff Joe, Congressman Issa, Congressman/V.P. Candidate Ryan, et. al. Keep confronting the evil, criminal Obama administration, until they’re all back in criminally infested Chicago, or better yet, taking up residence in the Graybar Hotel. :-/
Report Post »starman70
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 9:32am@RAY2447:
SPOT ON!!! The “Justice” department under Holder didn’t have a case against Joe Arpiao at all. It was just an attempt to discredit him through political and judicial harassment. Basically, if this had gone to trial, Holder would have had his a** handed to him on a plate.
I further believe that Joe really has proof that Obama is forging his birth records. I think that the administration is running scared.
The answer is: VOTE OBAMA OUT IN NOVEMBER!!!!
Report Post »garbagecanlogic
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:49pmWhat – did the wimps in justice dept get scared when the sheriff threatened to lock em up and wear pink undies?
Praise Be To Obama. Psalm 109:8
The U.S. Out Of The U.N.
Report Post »The U.N. Out Of The U.S.
mecanic
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 12:23amidiot. have another drink.
Report Post »Constantine Ivanov
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:40pmHopefully, it means two things:
1. The entire “investigation” was a stinky political farce performed by the dirty Obama and Co.
2. The Obama and Co. acknowledged that the entire “investigation” was a stinky political farce performed by that abominable pit of vipers…. sorry, the administration called “Obama and Co.”
Thank you, dear Joe Arpaio.
Report Post »almont
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:33pmGod bless you Sheriff Joe, keep standing up for us.
Thank you
“No law can give me the right to do what is wrong”. Abraham Lincoln
Report Post »asybot12
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 3:19amThanks for that! That statement should be the headline on each news outlet BEFORE they are allowed to broadcast!
Report Post »Zipit
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 12:51pmAsybot! We would have to replace mms broadcasts with reruns of Gilligans Island! Good by me!
Report Post »Freedoms Patriot
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:20pmI LIKE Joe.
Since oBUMa and Holder are going down like a Turd in the punch bowl, Jow would be a great choice for the new Attorney general.
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 8:28amHe certainly has the right experience for the job.
Report Post »oceandove
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:18pmThe photo you decided to post of Sheriff Joe with his tongue sticking out, says more to me about your bias on this topic. I am glad to hear that the bogus case against SJ was dropped.
Report Post »DDD
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 12:00amThat’s ridiculous. He’s not sticking his tongue out at anyone in the photo, he’s doing it out of habit (its to the side) or they caught him pursing his lips. Don’t be a dummy.
Report Post »saf
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:09pmThey need to put him in charge of ICE, and get rid of that useless bag of flesh running it now.
Report Post »nobull14
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:40pmOnce is enough?
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 12:30amNo, replace that man-thing Napolitano, with Sheriff Joe, he’d close the border faster than a burrito would go through you. Does this mean Sheriff Joe is finished investigating Oweblameus’ birth certificate? I hope not.
Report Post »saf
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:06pmthey need to put him in charge of ICE and get rid of that useless bag of flesh that runs it now.
Report Post »nobull14
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:01pmJust another pile of Holder crap !!!!!. Well Joe after the election Eric Holder will be looking at a jail cell . I am hopeful that he will be dressed in PINK
Report Post »TelepromoterNChief
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 1:37amI doubt Joe would give Holder and his mustache any pink panties.
Report Post »Stuff like that turns Holder on.
Mr.Fitnah
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:56pmHolder must be rethinking the “Lets Hire R3t4rds to run the DOJ” decision .
Report Post »sooner12
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:56pmGo Joe Go
Report Post »GENEPAGLIARI
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:55pmNow the Feds need to be tried for harrassment
Report Post »Very happy for Joe and AZ.
CK1911
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:04pmThey’ll look good in the pink underwear and jumpsuits!
Report Post »Elena2010
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:48pmGood. About time.
Report Post »let us prey
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:47pmHe did say they had nothing on him. Good for you Joe.
Report Post »grayling646
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:47pmWay to go, Joe.
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:46pmWhat would be the best way to put the decision to prosecute him to begin with………….DOOOOOHHHHH.
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:45pmJoe is THE SHERIFF OF AMERICA!!!!
Report Post »2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:42pmSomeone needs to send Sheriff Joe to New Hampshire to take care of that crazy old bat listening to AC/DC!
Report Post »Twobyfour
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:34pmYou win a Moron Prize for this evening.
Report Post »2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 12:42amThank you. I’ve done my best.
Report Post »