Feds Will Press Criminal Contempt Charges Against Ariz. Sheriff Arpaio

Enlarge this image toggle caption Ross D. Franklin/AP Ross D. Franklin/AP

Federal prosecutors will charge Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio with criminal contempt of court for violating a judge's order to stop immigration patrols that led to a court finding of racial profiling. Arpaio would face up to six months in jail if convicted of misdemeanor criminal contempt and an unspecified sentencing range if such a conviction is deemed a felony. Federal prosecutors said Tuesday that they would charge Arpaio for ignoring a judge's order to stop the signature immigration patrols that helped make him a national political figure.
The Obama administration through the U.S. Department of Justice announces that they will file criminal contempt of court charges against Maricopa County, Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio for violating a judge's order to stop immigration patrols that led to a court finding of racial profiling. The charges carry a maximum penalty of six months in jail.