Trump reportedly mulling pardon for former Maricopa County Sheriff Arpaio
Aug 14, 2017, 11:16 AM | Updated: 2:09 pm
(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, file)
(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, file)
PHOENIX — President Donald Trump is reportedly deciding whether or not to pardon former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio who was convicted of criminal contempt two weeks ago.
Fox News said Monday that the president’s pardon would come in the next few days should he decide to follow through on it, though he could also await the result of an appeal filed by Arpaio’s attorneys.
Trump told the network that Arpaio has done a lot in the battle against illegal immigration and is admired by many Americans.
“He’s a great American patriot and I hate to see what has happened to him,” the president said.
Arpaio, 85, was found guilty of misdemeanor contempt in late July. U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton said the sheriff prolonged his controversial immigration sweeps for 17 months after being directed to stop them by a different judge.
He was scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 5. He could face up to six months in jail, but most legal experts don’t believe that will be the case.
“Is there anyone in local law enforcement who has done more to crack down on illegal immigration than Sheriff Joe?” asked Trump. “He has protected people from crimes and saved lives. He doesn’t deserve to be treated this way.”
Arpaio told Fox that he was grateful to have the president’s support.
“I am happy he understands the case. I would accept the pardon because I am 100 percent not guilty,” he said, adding that he does not want to pressure Trump into the pardon.
However, he told a local TV station that he was wondering why Trump had not stepped in to help him.
The sheriff appeared several times on Trump’s behalf during his presidential campaign, including giving a speech at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Arpaio’s name was floated for a time as a possibility for the president’s Cabinet.
Arpaio’s two-decadeslong tenure as the head of the sheriff’s office came to an end in November, when he was defeated by Paul Penzone in the general election.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
