ARIZONA NEWS

Joe Arpaio’s request for trial by jury is rejected by high court

Jun 26, 2017, 9:10 AM | Updated: 11:13 am

(AP Photo)...

(AP Photo)

(AP Photo)

PHOENIX — The U.S. Supreme Court rejected former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s request for trial by jury as a criminal-contempt case against him begins Monday.

Arpaio had requested in May that a jury determine his fate rather than a judge. One of Arpaio’s lawyers said he believed the self-proclaimed “America’s toughest sheriff” would have more success at beating the charge with a jury.

Instead, he will face U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton in a Phoenix courtroom.

Bolton said in October 2016 that the case would move forward. The trial has been delayed more than once since then, the most recent bumping the start from April 25.

The 85-year-old ex-sheriff had admitted in court in 2015 that he had ignored a federal court order to stop his immigration patrols but that he didn’t do it on purpose.

Another district judge, Murray Snow said in a racial-profiling case against Arpaio that then-sheriff ignored the order because he believed his immigration efforts would help his 2012 campaign.

Arpaio would go on to try to have Snow removed from the case.

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

After decades in office, Arpaio was defeated in the 2016 general election by Paul Penzone, who has already shut down his predecessor’s controversial Tent City jail.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

The storm system moving into metro Phoenix this week won’t be a strong as previously expected whe...

Kevin Stone

Metro Phoenix storm system unlikely to produce as much rain as originally forecast

The storm system moving into metro Phoenix this week won’t be a potent as previously expected when it comes to rainfall, according to the latest forecast.

6 minutes ago

A crash involving a truck carrying oxygen created a hazmat situation in Glendale....

KTAR.com

Crash involving truck carrying oxygen creates hazmat situation in Glendale

A multivehicle crash involving a truck carrying oxygen created a hazmat situation in Glendale on Wednesday morning.

47 minutes ago

What happened before man found dead by suicide in Mesa?...

Serena O'Sullivan

Suspect in fatal shooting found dead by apparent suicide in Mesa, police say

A Mesa man accused of fatally shooting a man in his 30s in a domestic violence incident on Tuesday was found dead by suicide, police said.

2 hours ago

Karrin Taylor Robson...

Kevin Stone

Karrin Taylor Robson announces 2nd run for governor of Arizona

Karrin Taylor Robson, who unsuccessfully ran for governor of Arizona in 2022, announced Wednesday she is running again in 2026.

4 hours ago

Phoenix police officers shot and killed a suspect near Williams Field and and Higley roads in Gilbe...

KTAR.com

Man killed, woman wounded in overnight shooting involving Phoenix police officers in Gilbert

A man was killed and a woman was injured in an overnight shooting involving Phoenix Police Department officers in Gilbert, authorities said Wednesday.

4 hours ago

Follow @KTAR923...

Sponsored Content by Bright Wealth Management

How updating your estate plan is crucial in saving money

As you map out your estate plan, mapping out beneficiaries and keeping it up to date is key in order for the most funds possible to be passed down with ease.

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Joe Arpaio’s request for trial by jury is rejected by high court