Government

Justice Department to Sue Sheriff Joe Arpaio

 PHOENIX May 10, 2012 (AP/The Blaze) - Federal authorities said Wednesday that they plan to sue Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio and his office over allegations of civil rights violations, including the racial profiling of Latinos.

Arpaio went public with the threat in a press conference today, caught by ABC News:

Justice Departments Civil Rights Division Will Sue Sheriff Joe Arpaiovideo platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player

The U.S. Justice Department has been seeking an agreement requiring Arpaio’s office to train officers in how to make constitutional traffic stops, collect data on people arrested in traffic stops and reach out to Latinos to assure them that the department is there to also protect them.

Arpaio has denied the racial profiling allegations and has claimed that allowing a court monitor would mean that every policy decision would have to be cleared through an observer and would nullify his authority.

DOJ officials told a lawyer for Arpaio on April 3 that the lawman’s refusal of a court-appointed monitor was a deal-breaker that would end settlement negotiations and result in a federal lawsuit.

The “notice of intent to file civil action” came Wednesday from Assistant U.S. Attorney General Thomas Perez in a letter to an Arpaio lawyer.

The DOJ also hosted a press conference on the subject, of which the Associated Press has released video:

Perez, who heads the DOJ’s civil rights division, noted that it‘s been more than 100 days since the sheriff’s office received the DOJ‘s findings report and federal authorities haven’t met with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office counsel since Feb. 6 to discuss the terms of a consent agreement.

Neither Arpaio nor Joseph Popolizio, one of the lawyers representing the sheriff’s office, immediately returned calls seeking comment.

Last December, the DOJ released a scathing report accusing Arpaio’s office of racially profiling Latinos, basing immigration enforcement on racially charged citizen complaints and punishing Hispanic jail inmates for speaking Spanish in Arizona’s most populous county.

The DOJ also accused Arpaio of having a culture of disregard for basic constitutional rights.

The civil rights allegations have led some Arpaio critics to call for his resignation, including the National Council of La Raza, a prominent advocacy group for Latinos.

The sheriff’s office also is facing criticism over more than 400 sex-crimes investigations — including dozens of alleged child molestations — that hadn‘t been investigated adequately or weren’t examined at all over a three-year period ending in 2007.

Arpaio has apologized for the botched cases, reopened 432 sex-crimes investigations and made 19 arrests.

Separate from the civil rights probe, a federal grand jury has been investigating Arpaio’s office on criminal abuse-of-power allegations since at least December 2009. That grand jury is examining the investigative work of the sheriff’s anti-public corruption squad.

The self-proclaimed toughest sheriff in America has been a national political fixture who has built his reputation on jailing inmates in tents and dressing them in pink underwear, selling himself to voters as unceasingly tough on crime and pushing the bounds of how far local police can go to confront illegal immigration.

Comments (188)

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  • airportengineer
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 9:00pm

    Today’s AP Video of JD is MISSING!
    Did the AP remove it from the internet?

    Report Post » airportengineer  
    • Silversmith
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 9:53pm

      Makes you wonder what they said…..and want to un-say!

      Silversmith

      Report Post » Silversmith  
    • db321
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 11:13pm

      Sheriff Joe you have many standing with you – you are a GREAT AMERICAN PATRIOT – thank you for having the guts to stand up to Obama and his thugs! The DOJ is not going to know what hit them when you turn your Posse loose on them!

      db321  
    • NancyBee
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 11:51pm

      Go Joe!!! I’ve noticed alot of things are being removed….

      Report Post » NancyBee  
    • lukerw
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 2:08am

      In my opinion: Under Holder… the DOJ… has become the SS Gestapo… using Civil Rights to promote causes of Illegal Aliens, who have No Rights under the Constitution… rather they are Criminals and continue to act as Criminals under his Protection!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • milez5
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 2:47am

      I don’t get it, this Perez guy, the same man who refused to do anything about the new Black panthers in Philly is trying to run rough shod over Sheriff Joe. I hope Joe has some really powerful backers because he will need them against the leftist Holder Posse.

      Report Post »  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 6:42am

      Accusing Sheriff Joe of civil rights violations? What about Epic Holdup vacating the conviction of the NBP in Philly who was keeping whites from voting? Was the NPB guilty of a civil rights violation? What about the civil rights of Brian Terry? Did Holdup and the BATFE violate them by furnishing the weapons used?
      Epic Holdup is guilty of so many violations of the law that an indictment would weigh several pounds. Can someone perform a citizens arrest and bring charges against the DOJ?
      Why doesn’t Holdup and his boys bring charges against Sweet Old Barack for overstepping the powers granted him by the constitution?
      There are just so many members of the administration that need to be in court instead of in office, leave Sheriff Joe alone.

      OMG 2012

      Report Post »  
    • BreeZee
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:18am

      Arizona residents need to march on the federal justice dept in PHX, let it be known the federal gov’t has no right to dictate what is the state of ARIZONA business. start petitions to impeach the liberal federal judges that keep attacking the rights of the voters.

      Report Post »  
    • starman70
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:44am

      Sheriff Joe, YOU ARE A TRUE AMERICAN HERO!!!! You have virtually stood alone in your fight to stop illegal immigration and the crime and violence it has produced.

      People of AMERICA, let‘s donate BILLIONS of dollars to Joe’s defense fund, as it will take huge amounts of money to counter the UNLIMITED monetary resources of the DOJ.

      By the way Eric, the DOJ is supposed to be protecting the rights of WHITE voters who have been threatened by the New Black Panthers. Where is YOUR concern for the civil rights of those voters? Oh, yes, your BOSS didn’t want to persue that one did he? You were commanded to obfuscate that problem.

      Report Post »  
    • silentee
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:47am

      I just called Thomas Perez office. It’s 7:40 EST and someone picked up and took my message. May I suggest you all do the same? the number is 202-514-4609 option 3. It took all of two minutes so no excuses.

      Report Post » silentee  
    • johnjamison
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 8:23am

      Where is our Congress,where is our Supreme Court, we have an activist AG who is not only using the DOJ for his own personal civil justice department but has gotten hundred in mexico,U.S BORDER AGENTS,AND WHO KNOWS HOW MANY AMERICAN KILLED TO PUSH IS SOCIAL JUTICE

      Report Post »  
    • Jackers
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 10:35am

      Go, Joe, Go!

      Sheriff Joe is a true national hero and should be royally commended for all that he does to keep his constituents safe.

      Wish Sheriff Joe could be the head of Homeland Security… He’d get it done!

      Report Post » Jackers  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 11:00am

      Hang in there Joe, these pimps will be gone in November, register and vote tea party candidates in…..ask Dick Lugar if the tea party is dead….. I can call you DICK, can’t I ???

      Report Post »  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 9:00pm

    If America is to survive as a nation, obama must be removed from power.

    Report Post » Tri-ox  
    • justangry
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 9:27pm

      All the anti freedom globalist progressives need to removed. Which is about 95% of Washington.

      Report Post » justangry  
    • SanDiegoCountyCitizen
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 10:34pm

      You said it brother! +1

      Report Post » SanDiegoCountyCitizen  
    • FromSeaToSea
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 11:13pm

      In the American Revolution – 20% fought – 80% were sidelined in fear. The Constitution is all the authority a minority need to take back this Country. The solution is to organize .

      Report Post »  
    • Thevoice
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 11:22pm

      Another attack from the new age progressive commies on one of Americas “Last remaining” ..men…The commies don’t want American men …The kind of guy that does what’s right from the start. It’s what made this country strong and always kept a grip on our freedoms and liberties. Look at where we are today .Just today .Selling ourselves to the ******…And saying well the definition of marriage has change…And allowing our enemy to exist another day. Where’s commie Obamas reply or for that matter any military leader to the death threat from our enemy today…Very very sad….Thanks Sheriff Joe ….Stand strong the real America is with you ..No matter what..

      Report Post » Thevoice  
    • johnjamison
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 9:45am

      yOU’RE 100% CORRECT JUSTANGRY.

      Tea party just got another one out of office in Indiana. Lugar another go with the flow progressive is out…and it only took 36 years…for people to wake up.
      Bad thing is lugar was a moderate progressive there are hard core progressive in the Republican party as well. One worlders like George Bush sr.

      Report Post »  
    • G-WHIZ
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 12:28pm

      …Breakin’ News…Sherrif-Joe to take-over E.Holder’s job…whole-lata truth-spreaddin goin on here,
      ASAP.

      Report Post »  
  • disenlightened
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:53pm

    It’s time to…………GET WHITEY !!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » disenlightened  
    • yathink
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 9:11pm

      Many have tried all have died!

      Report Post » yathink  
    • busterpuddles
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 5:09am

      @ DISENLIGHTENED– Your comment suggests your handle/user name fits you well…

      As far as what is becoming of The United States Of America, after reading this, doomsday preppers don’t seem to be so far out there after all. They simply saw this stuff coming. This nation will be attacked the very way Germany planned to over half a century ago. Though, it won‘t be the Gemans we’ll be fighting. Arm up, patriots. Be prepared.

      Report Post » busterpuddles  
  • recoveringneocon
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:53pm

    Your Sheriff is the only law enforcement that is directly accountable to the community . Wonder why the Federal Government wants to render them impudent?

    Report Post » recoveringneocon  
  • BoyScout_Mom
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:51pm

    Must see below. This will set your hair on fire. The IRS knowingly paying out 4.2 billion annually to illegals in fraudulent tax refunds, for “additional child credit” for children and families residing in Mexico.

    http://www.wthr.com/story/17798210/tax-loophole-costs-billions

    http://www.wthr.com/story/17861738/will-lawmakers-act-to-close-tax-loophole-for-illegal-immigrants

    Love ya Sheriff Joe. Keep fighting.

    Report Post » BoyScout_Mom  
  • Dougral Supports Israel
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:51pm

    Arpaio is not necessarily perfect, but I have a huge problem with the credibility of the Eric Holder Justice Department which has vastly less credibility. Fast and Furious, failure to prosecute black voter intimidators, I’ll take my chances with old Joe.

    Report Post »  
    • colnzgprnts
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 9:20pm

      Right on! The sheriff is for law and order; Holder and company is for something quite different!

      Report Post »  
  • yathink
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:50pm

    Old Joe has really got them twisted right. Now the Feds are moving in from all sides. Well pay attention folks because as we watch this unfold you will see your and my future. I live in Sanford, FL where the law was blocked and attacked from doing there jobs. Now we have the rest of the story and have come to the conclusion that George Zimmerman really was justified in killing pour little Trayvon Martin. The story line that has been fed to the public was a complete manipulation of the facts. We sit by and wait for the riots. What is happening is all by design and I fear at this point we can not stop it because as they shove and shove sooner or later this is America. And as Americans we will face evil head on and destroy it. Prepair your selfs and chose your side. May The Lord and Savior Jesus Christ have Mercy on us all.

    Report Post » yathink  
  • CURTWALL
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:49pm

    Imagine that. The head of the DOJ, Eric Holder is going after one of the greatest sheriffs in the history of the United States. Yet Mr. Holder cannot even tell the truth about F & F.

    Report Post »  
  • Wolfgang the Gray
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:46pm

    Go Sheriff Joe! Holder thinks all Americans are cowards. Bring it on DOJ. AZ Will send you running back to your mama! I’ve been hearing about this threat to sue for months now. Either present your evidence or go back to Obama & tell him this is yet another subject he is going to lose.

    Report Post » Wolfgang the Gray  
  • mrmarkjohnson
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:46pm

    Most illegal immigrants are Hispanic, so obviously more Hispanics are going to be arrested on immigration. It’s just crazy liberal non-logic that leads to conclusions of racial profiling. Liberals can’t tell the difference between causation and correlation.

    Just because more blacks are arrested on murder charges doesn‘t mean there’s racial profiling
    Just because more whites are arrested on insider trading doesn‘t mean there’s racial profiling.

    It would be very, very strange if most illegal immigrants arrested WEREN’T Hispanic. That would be strange.

    Report Post »  
  • welovetheUSA
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:45pm

    Thats okay……….180 days left for Holder………out they go straight to where ever…….

    Report Post » welovetheUSA  
  • noland
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:45pm

    I think all Americans and all who want to become an American need to seed Joe some Washingtons $$ and fast!! We are truley fighting the evil-one, who Hate the TRUTH, so much so thier willing to SUE and Shut anybody Down, including a whole STATE. and calling other citizens of this country The ENEMY!!! What the HELL is this Bastard doing to OUR country? What Ever HE and HIS LEGIONS see fit.

    Report Post »  
    • Hephzibah
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 10:26pm

      I hope there’s a legal defense fund set up for Sheriff Joe.

      Report Post » Hephzibah  
    • dublinthewagons
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 6:21am

      Chicago Communist Thugs. Don’t be supprised when Obama gives a presidential pardon to
      “all detainees @ gitmo. It is coming. I don’t see how the sherrif holds up to the pressure. Everyone from the janitor to the president needs to be inmates in gitmo for life. HARD LABOR

      Report Post »  
  • drphil69
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:45pm

    Since when does the DOJ file a CIVIL lawsuit against a sheriff?

    If Holder is coming for you, you know you did something RIGHT!

    Report Post »  
  • Micmac
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:44pm

    Think this is a mia copa to get the sheriff off of NoBama’s back?

    NoBama 2012

    Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:44pm

    Guess what, INjustice department?

    WE THE PEOPLE ARE SUING you!!!

    you blubbering idiots, (jd), keep your foul, filthy hands off SHERIFF JOE, or we, like GOD, are gonna come down there!

    Report Post »  
  • barber2
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:43pm

    Time to send another donation. This Democrat Character Assassination Squad attack has gone too far…

    Report Post »  
  • docgreen
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:41pm

    This is So F-UP! Maybe our justice Dept. should be going after People whom scam millions like Cozine, but no, he raises money for Obama. We wouldn’t want to go after him. At least Joe tries to save us money! The Justice “holder” and his staff needs to be put in prison along with obama and all his cronies. The union thugs and all others that have ripped and stole this country off! God people don‘t we see what Obama’s doing? Divide and conquer. The more division he can bring to people, the better chance, he has at trying to win! These idiots don’t uphold the constitution; the p_ss all over it! Laughing as they do! They hate the Constitution and everything it stands for!….

    Report Post »  
  • momrules
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:40pm

    Sheriff Arpaio has been in Obama‘s and Holder’s crosshairs since Obama took office. Now Arpaio and his Cold Case Posse are closing in on the truth about Obama and they can’t have that. No truth is allowed about America’s own dictator.

    Now who are we going to trust? Obama, Holder or Arpaio? I will choose Arpaio any day of the week.

    I just hope the good Sheriff stays healthy, no sudden heart attacks or accidents.

    Report Post »  
    • angeleyes63
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 9:10pm

      @MOMRULES
      Yeah he better watch his back or he might end up like Brite Bart.

      Report Post »  
  • momprayn
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:40pm

    They have to get rid of him b/c he’s a threat – to expose the truth about Obama and some of the crimes he’s investigating (and has testimonies) about fraud, threats in the 2008 elections. They either use this way or……other ways, if you know what I mean. They have “no fear” of getting prosecuted themselves b/c of all the connections, secrets, favors, bribes – so they go their merry, corrupt, evil ways of getting rid of enemies as they continue instigating their Communist takeover for America. That‘s why they’re so bold and just ignore sopoenas, etc. (like Fast and Furious) – they’ll ignore the “contempt” deal too – my guess is nothing will get done with that either. Most STILL don’t get what a humongous, evil international Communist regime we have that is in control of our country. Support and pray for Arpaio and all those trying to win this war & get the truth out………

    Report Post »  
  • angeleyes63
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:38pm

    Racial profiling is common sense and illegal aliens have no legal rights in our country or any other, illegal means criminal. The mexican activist group the race is racist, seditious and tries to undermine American rule of law. The commie justice department is on a witch hunt becaus Mr. Arpaio does his job the way it is meant to be done. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK JOE.

    Report Post »  
    • Voice1percent
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 9:49pm

      Yes but folks keep forgetting this is all about NAFTA and the unification of Canada, US, and Mexico as a single country. Soros and his merry band of commies are way behind schedule on this, WE THE PEOPLE just won’t line up with their plan. So holder and bammie are trying to start up a civil race war to clamp down and move things along a bit. Open up yer eyes folks…we ain’t in Kansas anymore.

      Report Post »  
  • Blazebanned
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:37pm

    My guess is Arpaio knew this was coming,and i would fruther guess that he has an ace up his sleeve,for just such an occassion.Obviously odumbass doesnt know when to tread lightly……

    Report Post »  
  • jmcclena
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:35pm

    Good. This guy is not fit for office. He has a history of racism, and has openly supported neo nazi political candidates. Get him outta there quick.

    Report Post »  
    • noland
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:48pm

      Go wash your neck and quit being a FOOL!

      Report Post »  
    • momrules
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:51pm

      You are, of course, speaking about Obama and Holder.

      Report Post »  
    • noland
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 9:19pm

      sorry jm i thought u were takin bout our Joe…

      Report Post »  
    • FromSeaToSea
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 12:55am

      How much of Soro’s 10 million, set aside to attack Sheriff Joe, are you getting to blog?

      Report Post »  
  • Conservative AMERICA
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:33pm

    Is the coward RINO club on Capitol Hill finally willing to start the impeachment process against this ineligible usurper or why is this drug warlord Eric Holder now desperately trying to destroy Joe Arpaio?

    Report Post » Conservative AMERICA  
    • dublinthewagons
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 6:35am

      Obama changed his mind on same sex marriage (evolution) guess he wants to be married while in the penetintary. Well Barry bad news. You have to divorse the moose to have a husband, in the joint.

      Report Post »  
  • TNT75
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:29pm

    Hahaha! He must have turned over the wrong stone on them or they wouldn’t be harassing him like this. Wait and see what he comes out with next.

    Report Post » TNT75  
    • docgreen
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:48pm

      TNT, remember sheriff Joe’s possee has been investigating obamas B-cert. and they know its not legit! They will try evrything to get him to stop looking into the background of obama! I don’t know, bet if we do have elections this fall, and we win the Oval office, we need to go through everything these people have done and put them on trial for crimes against the American people! We have a country, but I’m starting to not recognize it for what it is!…..

      Report Post »  
    • CounterStrike
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 9:54pm

      People are fed up and frustrated with the fact that evil has gained so much ground. We’re at the crossroads of tyranny and liberty!

      If I had a bumper sticker machine I would format and print the following.
      Liberals–you will know them by their fruits
      ___________________________________
      Abortion on Demand
      Same Sex Marriage
      Higher Taxes
      Pornography
      Sex without Consequences
      Welfare Dependency
      Public only education
      Illegal Immigration
      Weaker Defense
      Cut and Run
      Lawlessness
      Secularism
      Etc…

      Report Post » CounterStrike  
    • docgreen
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 10:36pm

      People you need to read a story on WND. I tried to copy and paste but it doesn’t seem to work!

      The Feds changed the rules on Draft cards “Obama’s Draft card. They changed it after Joe started his investigation into obama’s B-Cert. Must Read! Original story was run in Washington Times!

      Report Post »  
    • TNT75
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 9:04am

      I read something about that too Doc, It had something to do with being able to legally dispose the selective service card that he submitted I think.

      Report Post » TNT75  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:29pm

    …
    Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio should be allowed to go as far as he wants to go, when it comes to illegal immigration. They are illegal. They should get no special treatment. Flush them out. Profiling works.

    Report Post »  
    • marybethelizabeth
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 9:39pm

      Stopping people because law enforcement doesn’t like the way they look is unconstitutional.

      Sheriff Arpaio is the vanguard of the of the newest fifth column initiative.

      Report Post » marybethelizabeth  
    • barber2
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 10:21pm

      MARY: Always so “informative” to hear from the Obama Re-election Committee.

      Report Post »  
    • docgreen
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 10:23pm

      Maryelizabeth
      Sheriff Joe doesn’t stop them because of the way they look! The only time he stops them is when they do something wrong and or they can’t show proof of US residency, when they Stop them! When your on a traffic stop, you run everyones license or identification. To see if they’re wanted, outstanding warrents, or for Federal, State warrents! Where does it say Sheriff Joe is stopping people, eating ice cream on the sidewalks of America? He doesn’t and your a Liar and listening to the Bull Sh_t obama spews!……. See the reason I used Ice Cream, was because obama said this and it was a bold face Lie! As far as the 5th column, what are you even talking about? The only pillars I know of are in islam the five pillars. I think!

      Report Post »  
    • marybethelizabeth
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 8:13am

      Docgreen, Sheriff Arpaio says that he is using the new legislation as a pretext in his speeches. He is traveling around the country enriching himself instead doing his job

      Report Post » marybethelizabeth  
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