also said the U.S. Attorney's Office recognized that many
of the allegations related to the anti-corruption enforcement unit
Arpaio started with former County Attorney Andrew Thomas were handled in
the State Bar proceeding that resulted in Thomas being stripped of his
license.

"The U.S. Attorney's Office and its investigators recognized what
Sheriff's Office has said all along: we did not make any prosecutorial
decisions, even through things were referred to the then-county
attorney," MacIntyre said. "The sheriff and the Sheriff's Office commend
the U.S. Attorney's office for having the honesty, the integrity and
the strength of character to make the statement that they do today:
clearing this office and dispelling the shadow that's been lingering
over it for over three years."

Thomas, a onetime Arpaio ally, was disbarred earlier this year.
During the disbarment proceedings, testimony was given that Arpaio or
his subordinateshad abused the power the office.

The investigation began in December 2008.

Bill Solomon, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office, said he
could not comment any further on the agency's decision. He said the
agency would not immediately release records pertaining to the closed
investigations.

Corrections Corporation of America won the DOC contract for 2000 new beds. Is it any wonder?

This should trouble AZ Regents Dennis Diconcini and Anne L. Mariucci - they will profit from the prisons that are funded with money that could have otherwise gone to Arizona's educational system. But I doubt they will do much but celebrate this news.

Laurie Roberts

AZ Republic (AUG 30, 2012)

On Friday, the state of Arizona plans to award one lucky –
or perhaps just well connected -- company the contract to build and
operate 1,000 private prison