Democrats in Arizona Are Still Going after Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Now Charging Him with Criminal Contempt after Ignoring a Liberal Judge's Order

The longtime sheriff of metropolitan Phoenix was charged Tuesday with criminal contempt-of-court for ignoring a judge's order in a racial-profiling case, leaving the 84-year-old lawman in a tough spot two weeks before Election Day as he seeks a seventh term.




Prosecutors promised two weeks ago that they would charge Sheriff Joe Arpaio, but the misdemeanor count wasn't officially filed against him until U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton signed it.




Arpaio could face up to six months in jail if convicted. A misdemeanor conviction would not bar Arpaio from serving as sheriff.




Democratic challenger Paul Penzone said Arpaio, through his acts of political defiance, has no one to blame but himself for the charge.




"It's another example of the sheriff putting his own personal objectives ahead of the best interest of the community at our expense," Penzone said.




Arpaio lawyer Mel McDonald said the sheriff will contest the charge. "We believe that when the final chapter is written, he will be vindicated," McDonald said.




McDonald said Arpaio will not be arrested and no mugshot will be taken. He will plead not guilty in a court filing.



The criminal charges stem from the profiling case that Arpaio lost three years ago that morphed into a contempt case after the sheriff was accused of defying a 2011 court order to stop his signature immigration patrols.