A sheriff in Arizona controversial for his hardline approach to immigration enforcement has been officially charged with criminal contempt-of-court for failing to end immigration patrols in the state despite a judge’s orders.
Joe Arpaio, 84, the sheriff of Maricopa County, Ariz., could face up to six months in jail if convicted of the misdemeanor, which was filed against him by prosecutors and signed by U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press. “We believe that when the final chapter is written, he will be vindicated,” Mel McDonald, a lawyer for Arpaio, told the AP.
Read More: Sheriff Joe Arpaio Endorses Donald Trump
The sheriff, who has held his post since 1993 and is known for being tough on immigration enforcement, plans to plead not guilty, his lawyer said. Arpaio is up for re-election in two weeks.
[AP]
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Biden Drops Out of Presidential Race , Endorses Harris to Replace Him
- Why Biden Dropped Out
- The Chaos and Commotion of the RNC in Photos
- Why We All Have a Stake in Twisters’ Success
- 8 Eating Habits That Actually Improve Your Sleep
- Stop Feeling Bad About Sweating
- Welcome to the Noah Lyles Olympics
- Get Our Paris Olympics Newsletter in Your Inbox
Contact us at letters@time.com