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After Arizona Congressman Trent Franks called on President Donald Trump to pardon the elderly former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Democratic lawmakers demanded no mercy. State Sen. Martin Quezada led the group demanding that Arpaio “be held accountable.”
It has only been rumored that Trump may pardon Arpaio during his visit to Arizona next week. Arpaio was found guilty for defying a state judge’s order to stop traffic patrols targeting suspected undocumented immigrants. Arpaio continued the law enforcement patrols for 17 months after the 2011 order was issued.
Franks argues that the former sheriff did not intend to break the law because he misunderstood the full measure of restrictions contained in the order.
“Sheriff Arpaio has been a long-respected member of the law enforcement community who has dedicated his life to keeping Arizona communities safe. He has no prior convictions, no criminal record, no record of wrongs. In his twilight years, he deserves to retire peacefully and enjoy the satisfaction of a hard-earned and honorable retirement,” stated Franks.
“Let us have an honest moment – this has been a political prosecution from the beginning,” continued Franks. “The real reason Arpaio is in legal trouble right now is because a Clinton-appointed judge decided to issue a judgment that contradicted every single witness that testified in the case.”
“Pardoning Sheriff Arpaio would be celebrated by Arizonans that appreciate and respect a man who has accomplished so much for law and order in our state.” Franks concluded, “It would absolutely be the right thing for President Trump to pardon Sheriff Joe.”