Judge denies Joe Arpaio’s bid to have Jeff Sessions testify at trial

PHOENIX — Former Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s request to have Attorney General Jeff Sessions testify at his criminal contempt trial has been denied.

A judge quashed the subpoena of Sessions because “his testimony is neither relevant nor meets the demanding standard required to compel the testimony of a high-ranking official.”

Prosecutors were against having Sessions testify. They said the subpoena was an attempt to divert attention from key issues in the case.

The former sheriff is charged with contempt for ignoring a court order in a racial profiling case to stop his immigration patrols.

Arpaio’s trial began Monday as his request to have a trial by jury was denied. He also was not granted his request to delay the trial.

Arpaio faces up to six months in prison if he’s convicted of misdemeanor contempt.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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