Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio was convicted of criminal contempt in July for refusing to stop traffic patrols that went after immigrants, defying a judge’s order. He’s facing sentencing in October, but before that happens, he may just get pardoned by the President of the United States.
In a discussion with Fox News on Sunday, President Donald Trump said he was “seriously considering a pardon for Sheriff Arpaio.” Trump said a pardon could happen within the next few days. “He has done a lot in the fight against illegal immigration. He’s a great American patriot and I hate to see what has happened to him.”
Arpaio, 85, faces up to six months in jail. He said last week, that he would indeed accept a pardon from Trump, but said, “I’m not going to ask him.” Arpaio told The Arizona Republic, “Whatever the president wants me to do, I would support him,” adding, “If he needs help with anything, of course I’m going to help him.”
[Image via ABC15 screengrab]
