Sheridan and Arpaio, who bills himself as “America’s Toughest Sheriff” and is known for his stance on illegal immigrants, already have admitted committing civil contempt by violating court orders but have said it was not deliberate.
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Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, Arizona – famous for his racial profiling and notorious immigration patrols, will take the stand again for contempt of court, after failing to halt his practices.
Snow has said he will use the testimony to help decide what to do about non-compliance with his orders, which could include imposing fines, restitution and greater oversight of operations conducted by the sheriff’s office. He is expected to testify Tuesday or Wednesday.
Much of the morning has focused on MCSO Chief Deputy Jerry Sheridan and the violation of a 2011 pre-trial order to stop detaining immigrants who had not committed any state crimes.
Under intense questioning from plaintiffs’ attorney Cecillia Wang, Sheridan said he could not remember reading memos he was sent, including several from the lawyer representing the sheriff’s office, nor attending meetings regarding the preliminary injunction Snow issued in 2011.
Other subjects to be examined at the contempt hearing include allegations the sheriff launched an investigation of the judge in the profiling case in a failed bid to get him disqualified and that Arpaio’s officers pocketed identification and other personal items seized from people during traffic stops and safe-house busts. His officers are also accused of disobeying court orders.
Overall, Yahoo reports taxpayers in Maricopa County will have spent at least $125 million by next summer defending Arpaio against similar suits over his 22 years as sheriff, including $50 million in profiling cases and another $74 million in judgments, settlements, legal fees and lawsuits. County officials note they don’t believe Arpaio has ever been forced to personally pay off any lawsuits naming him as a defendant or any legal costs incurred from the countless lawsuits filed against him.
The sheriff underwent a first round of contempt hearings in April.
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The taxpayer bill is expected to continue to rise until the sheriff’s office has been found to be in full compliance with the court-ordered changes for three straight years.
