Attorney: Trump’s Arpaio pardon ‘saves everybody a lot of trouble’
Aug 25, 2017, 6:10 PM | Updated: Aug 26, 2017, 10:32 am
Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, Ariz., speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
PHOENIX — An attorney for former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said President Donald Trump’s decision to pardon his client saves everyone a lot of time.
“Frankly, this saves everybody a lot of trouble and does what’s right,” Jack Wilenchik told CNN shortly after the pardon was issued.
Wilenchik said the sheriff was ready for a long court battle to prove he was innocent.
“Had this pardon not happened, we would have spent years and lots of money and time to fight for a jury and to fight for his innocence,” he said.
Arpaio’s court fees have already cost Maricopa County taxpayers millions of dollars.
Despite the pardon, Wilenchik said Arpaio would still continue to fight in court.
“In light of this, what we’re going to do is file in court and ask to dismiss the case and ask for an acquittal,” he said.
Trump issued the pardon Friday evening. In a statement, the White House said Arpaio had worked for years to protect the public.
“Arpaio is now 85 years old, and after more than 50 years of admirable service to our nation, he is worthy candidate for a presidential pardon,” the statement read.
The former sheriff was expected to address the pardon on Monday, but took to Twitter to thank his supporters and Trump on Friday.
I am humbled and incredibly grateful to President Trump. I look fwd to putting this chapter behind me and helping to #MAGA
— Joe Arpaio (@RealSheriffJoe) August 26, 2017
Other Arizona officials, including Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, spoke out against the pardon.
