Posted: 11/3/2009 8:04:55 AM EDT
Not good for the Sherriff.... Sources: FBI Investigating Joe Arpaio Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's Actions 'Absolutely Unacceptable,' Former US Attorney Says POSTED: 5:58 pm MST October 29, 2009 UPDATED: 12:12 pm MST October 30, 2009 PHOENIX –– The FBI is looking into accusations that Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is using his position to settle political vendettas. Over the past year, 5 Investigates examined more than two dozen complaints against the sheriff from business owners, government workers, mayors and law-enforcement officials. They claim they spoke out against Arpaio, and shortly after, deputies paid them unwelcome visits. Mayor: 'I Was Targeted' Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon said he's found himself in the sheriff's crosshairs on multiple occasions. In April 2008, Gordon wrote to the Justice Department, asking it to investigate complaints of racial profiling against the sheriff's office stemming from Arpaio's well-publicized crime-suppression sweeps. Less than a month later, sheriff's deputies demanded copies of all the mayor's e-mail, phone logs and appointment calendars. It "definitely was" retaliation, Gordon said. "It was multiple inquiries and investigations acknowledged by some of the sheriff's own people." Police Chief Finds Himself Under Fire Former Mesa Police Chief George Gascon was openly critical of the sheriff's crime sweeps. In October 2008, deputies conducted midnight raids on Mesa City Hall and the public library, ostensibly to search for illegal immigrants working as janitors. Mesa city leaders and Gascon said the show of force, dubbed "Operation Clean Sweep," was extreme. "I believe the activities took place by the sheriff's department yesterday put people at risk," Gascon said at the time. Arpaio shot back. "You know what this is all about," the sheriff said. "I'm going to tell you what this all about. It's embarrassment. Don't go around accusing my office and my deputies about risking the lives of the Mesa citizens." Politicians, Journalists Targets The list of people subjected to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office investigations reads like a Who's Who of the Valley, and it includes people who have authority over the sheriff and people who challenged his authority: * Dan Saban, who ran against the sheriff in 2004 and 2008 * Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard * Maricopa County Manager David Smith * The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors * Superior Court Presiding Judge Barbara Mundell * ACLU attorney Daniel Pochoda None of the investigations resulted in convictions; however, they cost the targets hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees and tarnished reputations. Many of the targets were never charged with a crime. "He knows he never has to prove anything," said Gordon. "He just raises the issue, and then he hides behind the badge –– and the damage is done." In 2004, former Phoenix New Times reporter Dougherty found himself under criminal investigation after he had been working on a story about the sheriff's hidden land investments –– a story that was potentially embarrassing for Arpaio. At one point, deputies told the journalist that he had approached Arpaio "in a threatening manner with a silver, metallic object," Dougherty said. "They know that I was a reporter for the New Times, and they knew for sure that I was just showing him a tape recorder," he said. "I think it was clearly retaliation because they wanted to stop us from pursuing our investigation into his offices." Despite the investigation, the New Times continued to report on the land story, and on the night of Oct. 18, 2007, the paper's publisher and executive editor were arrested and jailed. County Attorney Andrew Thomas dropped all charges the next day, saying the investigation had spun out of control. "It has become clear to me that this investigation has gone in a direction that I would not have authorized," Thomas said at the time. "I believe (Arpaio) did everything in his power to weaken our ability to report the news," Dougherty said. A Pattern Emerges Perhaps no other investigation has played out as publicly as that of County Supervisor Don Stapley. Stapley was indicted on 118 charges relating to the nondisclosure of a variety of land deals, business associations and business assets. At the time, the county supervisor said he was falsely accused. Fifty-two of the charges were thrown out in August, and prosecutors requested the rest be dropped in September. Three days after the request was made, deputies arrested Stapley on 100 new counts –– 93 felonies and seven misdemeanors. According to Stapley's attorney Paul Charlton, the county supervisor made himself a target when "he opposed the sheriff's budget." "(Stapley) insisted that there be someone placed in (Arpaio's) office that audits the budget," Charlton said. Charlton, a former U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, said a pattern begins to emerge when he looks at a list of the people the sheriff has targeted. "Every single one of those individuals has in common their opposition to Joe Arpaio for a legitimate political issue," he said. Charlton's conclusion? "When you cross this guy for legitimate reasons, you're going to find yourself under criminal investigation for completely illegitimate reasons," he said. 'I've Never Seen Anything Like This' Sources tell 5 Investigates that the FBI's investigation into the sheriff's activities began more than a year ago, when President George W. Bush was in office. The FBI has a policy of not commenting on open investigations; however, 5 Investigates took its research to an unbiased source: former U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico David Iglesias. Iglesias, who is the real-life military lawyer portrayed by Tom Cruise in the movie A Few Good Men, has a national reputation for putting principle above politics. He has no connection to the current FBI investigation into Arpaio, who he has never met. "I've been in and around law enforcement for about 20 years –– state, local and federal level (and) even some military prosecution work. I've never seen anything like this," Iglesias said after he looked through 5 Investigates' research and did some on his own. If he were handling the case, Iglesias said, "I would work very closely with the civil rights division in Washington, D.C., and based on the information I have, I would seek an indictment." An Arpaio defense consisting of, "I had a reason to investigate that person," wouldn't work, Iglesias said. "It's a defense, but the question is, 'Is it a winning defense?' And I think the answer to that is, 'No,'" he said. It's unknown whether the FBI investigation will result in criminal charges. 5 Investigates' sources said investigators may be trying to turn a trusted deputy against the sheriff. Nevertheless, if they can't, Iglesias indicated the pattern of cases might be enough to take the sheriff to court. "(Arpaio's actions are) absolutely unacceptable," Iglesias said. "We don't do think kind of thing in America –– in this country –– without some kind of consequences. Arpaio refused repeated requests for an interview regarding this story, but the sheriff's office provided a statement. "The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office does not retaliate against any specific individual or agency," it reads. "The Sheriff's Office provides the citizens of Maricopa County with professional and efficient law enforcement services." http://www.kpho.com/news/21470567/detail.html |
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what a crock of political bull shit ,the left don't like him so they will persicute him for no good reason . this country has gone to the dogs . the only thing Joe and Andrew Thomas did that I dissagreed with was the time they tryed to investigate anyone that logged on to New Times . that was a big problem for anyone who belived in the Constitution . maybe what goes around ,comes around.
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| Of course its all political. But its exactly as I have been saying for quite some time now: Joe has pissed off enough people in high places or with friends in high places that he is now under the microscope big time. The federal charges don't have to be legit, just ask the ATF, but eventually they will make something stick. Joe may have a hard time shaking this one off. |
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Joe can handle it. Joe can handle anything. He once ate a live rattlesnake! I thought it was live scorpions... He's under fire from the "open borders" crowd. I'm glad to see Gasco'n gone. He's where he belongs. The people of Maricopa County want the illegals gone. That is why Joe keeps winning elections time and again. Now that Nappy is in D.C., these open border people have an friend in D.C. who has some power to bring the FBI into this. Once more the Feds want to interfere in a States' business. 
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Like I said,it was only a matter of time before he pissed off someone that could actually do something about it. He made the bed with his "I don't report to you" attitude, now he gets to lie in it and the citizens of Maricopa County will get to foot his legal bill, as usual.
Now that Nappy is in D.C., these open border people have an friend in D.C. who has some power to bring the FBI into this. |
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Like I said,it was only a matter of time before he pissed off someone that could actually do something about it. He made the bed with his "I don't report to you" attitude, now he gets to lie in it and the citizens of Maricopa County will get to foot his legal bill, as usual.
Now that Nappy is in D.C., these open border people have an friend in D.C. who has some power to bring the FBI into this. Well I don't live in Maricopa County, but I wish our Yavapai County Sheriff was more like Joe. If I lived in Maricopa Co, I'd be more than happy to foot the bill for Joe. He eats live spiders, for crying out loud! |
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Yeah, some people never learn. He won't get my vote again, he costs me too much money.
All of this and if he ran today ,he would get elected . Quoted:
He's fucked... This time I think he is. Once you have the FBI up your ass, they tend to be hard to get out. |
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Quoted: He's fucked... This time I think he is. Once you have the FBI up your ass, they tend to be hard to get out. Yeah, but do they eat live rattle snakes? 
I gotta admit, I don't get the eating live rattle snakes or scorpions. Is this something Joe supposedly did or are we just saying he's tough? |
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Like I said,it was only a matter of time before he pissed off someone that could actually do something about it. He made the bed with his "I don't report to you" attitude, now he gets to lie in it and the citizens of Maricopa County will get to foot his legal bill, as usual.
Now that Nappy is in D.C., these open border people have an friend in D.C. who has some power to bring the FBI into this. The investigation began when George W. Bush was in office. It's all Bush's fault! 
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Don't you need evidence before you file a criminal complaint?
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/12/pure_intimidation_arpaio_deputies_question_judges.php |
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Yeah, go Joe, indict a well respected judge in the county (and a few of his friends) and then expect him (and the other judges) to trust your evidence when you're prosecuting criminals. Brilliant! Works for me!
Stick a fork in him as sheriff. But he'll make a great Governor! You can vote for him then. |
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38 Million, is what we have paid to criminals that have won law suits against Joe since he took office. There are several other people not convicted of any crimes who have filed suit and won I just don't track those numbers.
That's 38 Million tax payer dollars given to criminals or their families. While I appreciate the Sheriff for his illegal immigrant policies and several other things he does this amount of money troubles me. Its hard to win a law suit against the GOV in any form and for some reason 38 MILLION of our tax dollars have been handed out because of Joe. I think he is fucked, its the federal government they have been going after innocent people far longer than Joe and know how to do it way better. 
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| Well, all this has made me write our a check for Sheriff Joe.org Joe is a proven lawman... Judges and DA's and etc.. pliticos are in their jobs cause of all that graft, perks, expense accounts, scratch my back old boy network... sodomy well suspected ! Any one they are at odds with is my hero ! Signed, Benn Phucked |
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You might want to write a check for his defense fund, too.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,582523,00.html |
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Yeah, you can bring him some Oreos during visiting hours at Club Fed.
http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bastard/2010/01/federal_witnesses_against_joe.php |
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Joe's in trouble because he does his job. Anyone who frequents this site is fully aware that many here don't appreciate being held to account for their law breaking habits. That is especially true of our supposidly "honest and respectable" elected representatives. The sheer hypocracy of those that think "hey, I don't agree with that law so I don't obey it, and to hell with any LEO that calls me on it" is staggering. The only comment that I see occasionally that I agree with is "And we let those people have guns!!!". If some of these Bubbas ever live long enough to grow up, they'll appreciate someone like Arpaio as opposed to the limp wristed PC turds at the FBI and BATFE. Friggen' girlymen.
Semper Fi ! |
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Joe's in trouble because he does his job. Anyone who frequents this site is fully aware that many here don't appreciate being held to account for their law breaking habits. That is especially true of our supposidly "honest and respectable" elected representatives. The sheer hypocracy of those that think "hey, I don't agree with that law so I don't obey it, and to hell with any LEO that calls me on it" is staggering. The only comment that I see occasionally that I agree with is "And we let those people have guns!!!". If some of these Bubbas ever live long enough to grow up, they'll appreciate someone like Arpaio as opposed to the limp wristed PC turds at the FBI and BATFE. Friggen' girlymen. Semper Fi ! Joe's in trouble because he makes enemies. It has nothing to do with him doing his job. He makes enemies and the enemies exploit him doing his job. I'm sure he makes enemies by doing his job too, but he seems like the type to do that no matter if he is doing his job or not. With the size of his ego I wouldn't surprised if his house had special doors to make sure he can get his head through. He made too many stupid egotistical comments about his enemies and them not controlling him or him not having to report to them that he made enemies. Yes all politicians do, but Joe is dumb enough to think it wouldn't come back and bite him in the ass, which I have been saying for years it would and low and behold it did! Or he's arrogant enough to not care because he isn't footing the bill and the "Joe-Hoes" that blindly follow him will write him another check because he is hard on illegals, even though he pissed away the money we already gave him out of our taxes. He pissed them off, they cut his money. He got pissed and started shaking them down and investigating them. They got pissed for him doing that and started investigated him right back. Its all political BS on both sides. Joe is a child with an ego that writes checks his ass can't cash. But they are both guilty, the problem is we get stuck footing the bill on both sides. I'm sorry, but when I read these articles and just pull out the "facts" without the political slants on either side, I honestly believe he started his investigations in retaliation for his budget being cut. He appears to be a common thug and not much above a mafia crime boss retaliating when he feels he was disrespected. Its time we get someone else in office that will do the same job without shooting his mouth off and making needless enemies. Joe needs to go because he is a blight on AZ and costs us money. |
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I think you hit the nail on the head.
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977986137&grpId=3659174697244816&nav=Groupspace |
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"Not surprisingly, the sheriff has been sharply criticized by a number of human rights organizations including Amnesty International, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Arizona Ecuminical Council, the American Jewish Committee, and the Arizona chapter of the Anti-Defamation League.
The editorial board of The New York Times also named Arpaio as "America's Worst Sheriff." One is oft judged by the enemies he makes. I can't see anyone in this group above who doesn't deserve a butt whippen from Joe. One thing that will certainly happen, and you can take this to the bank, the one who replaces Arpaio will be a bigger political hack, afraid of the politicians and all the special interest groups, and you WILL see a greater influx of illegals than you have ever seen. Count on it!!! The position is political, that's why it's an elected position, DUH!! Joe just makes sure that the politicians that want to impede his doing his job, which pisses off those that bankroll the idiots, know that he was elected by the people just as they were and he has equal clout. That in and of itself would put their panties in a bunch. I mean the nerve of the guy to hold THEIR feet to the fire for a change! |
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Don't forget the Goldwater Institute! A little old but a good read. It's primarily what the New York Times based their opinion on.
http://www.goldwaterinstitute.org/Common/Img/Mission%20Unaccomplished.pdf http://www.kpho.com/news/22214888/detail.html |
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sound's like Thomas is the issue... not Joe.... but I'll admit, I am not well read on the topic. While I agree with much of what Joe is doing, I do question some of the things he has done. If it is true, that he has used his position and powers to club political opposers and critics, then that is wrong. I wait to see what happens. If he has misused his powers then any good he has done is tainted and he should spend time in jail. I will reserve judgment. I do like that he seems to be open to the press.
I really dont like some of the big brother/big gov comments that the attorney made and hope to never see that guy as district atty.... Richard |
| I have to admit I enjoyed Joe's take on the 10,000 illegal alien march which was basically to say if you don't like the immigration laws then call Washington and have them changed. Made me laugh that he was blasting Linda Ronstadt songs at the prison to welcome her. |
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Pretty ballsy statement by the county manager that shows up on the front page of the main Maricopa County website. Talk about getting ugly.
http://www.maricopa.gov/ http://www.maricopa.gov/pr_detail.aspx?releaseID=1327 "Smith Statement Regarding Federal Grand Jury Investigation Today's grand jury appearance was a welcome opportunity to tell our story on behalf of County employees. Dozens and dozens of County employees, and some County vendors, have been targeted by Sheriff Arpaio and Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas with retaliatory criminal investigations without cause, and disruption of their working lives without justification. Sandi Wilson and I expect to return to the grand jury to give even more detailed testimony in three or four weeks about the many abuses of power by Sheriff Arpaio and his office that were generally described to the grand jury today. We look forward to that next opportunity in the interests of justice." |
| It's definitely an ugly situation for everyone associated but also for the citizens of Maricopa County. I decided to keep this thread going because it's interesting and I don't think most people understand the depths of what's going on within the different County departments. And to be honest, I don't really have a dog in this other than being a citizen of Maricopa. I will continue to post articles as I come across them whether pro or against Joe. The reason I haven't posted anything pro Joe is because I haven't read anything that's been reported that's positive in his favor. |
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+1 on all. There is only so many times you can read accusations from different departments, different people, etc... before you say too much to be coincidence. I honestly believe someday Joe will be in the history books as one of the most corrupt LEOs in the country. I liken him to a mob boss. He thinks he's untouchable like they all do, until they piss off the wrong person and end up with a horse head in their bed, literally, figuratively or politically. I liked him when I first moved to AZ 9 years ago. The longer I live here, the more embarassed I become of him.
It's definitely an ugly situation for everyone associated but also for the citizens of Maricopa County. I decided to keep this thread going because it's interesting and I don't think most people understand the depths of what's going on within the different County departments. And to be honest, I don't really have a dog in this other than being a citizen of Maricopa. I will continue to post articles as I come across them whether pro or against Joe. The reason I haven't posted anything pro Joe is because I haven't read anything that's been reported that's positive in his favor. |
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Uh-oh. Looks like some emails that got "accidentally" deleted were "accidentally" saved.
http://www.kpho.com/news/22775028/detail.html |
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Nothing wrong with that. I feel the same way about gun control. I'm pro-death but when a candidate is pro-life but loves guns, I pick the guns every time and ignore the stance on abortion. Ah, what are ya gonna do.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/election/azelections/articles/2010/03/08/20100308joe-arpaio-maricopa-county-emails.html |
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Nothing wrong with that. I feel the same way about gun control. I'm pro-death but when a candidate is pro-life but loves guns, I pick the guns every time and ignore the stance on abortion. Ah, what are ya gonna do. http://www.azcentral.com/news/election/azelections/articles/2010/03/08/20100308joe-arpaio-maricopa-county-emails.html If you are a parent and can truly stand by what you wrote above about being "pro-death", you ain't fit to scrap off my shoe if I stepped into you. No matter how bold you are in this life, I'm comforted to know you will be judged in the afterlife. |
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Nothing wrong with that. I feel the same way about gun control. I'm pro-death but when a candidate is pro-life but loves guns, I pick the guns every time and ignore the stance on abortion. Ah, what are ya gonna do. http://www.azcentral.com/news/election/azelections/articles/2010/03/08/20100308joe-arpaio-maricopa-county-emails.html If you are a parent and can truly stand by what you wrote above about being "pro-death", you ain't fit to scrap off my shoe if I stepped into you. No matter how bold you are in this life, I'm comforted to know you will be judged in the afterlife. I'm really hoping that was his way of talking about the death penalty and not abortion. I hope. Nevermind. I'm an idiot. Even if he's not a parent, hes fucked in the head. |
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I'm not a parent and I'm not politically correct like some "claim" to be. And if I go to hell, I'll be in charge of some of you hypocrites, I guarantee, like Mr. Cat Killer there. And if I don't meet you there, thank the Lord, I don't have to spend eternity with folks like you.
Cool, post 777. Oh, that's got to mean something. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_will_in_theology |
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I'm not a parent and I'm not politically correct like some "claim" to be. And if I go to hell, I'll be in charge of some of you hypocrites, I guarantee, like Mr. Cat Killer there. And if I don't meet you there, thank the Lord, I don't have to spend eternity with folks like you. Cool, post 777. Oh, that's got to mean something. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_will_in_theology Whether I go to heaven or not is debatable. For you? Not debatable. If you are "Pro-Death", as you claim, you're headed straight to hell. No wiggle room at all. |
