MENU
SEARCHThe Department of Justice filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Sheriff Joe Arpaio on Thursday, setting up an election-year court battle between "America's Toughest Sheriff" and the Obama Administration.
Photo: POLICE file
The Department of Justice filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Sheriff Joe Arpaio on Thursday, setting up an election-year court battle between "America's Toughest Sheriff" and the Obama Administration.
The lawsuit claims the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has intentionally denied Latinos their constitutional rights. The lawsuit cited systemic racial profiling, sloppy and indifferent police work and a disregard for minority rights, reports the Chicago Tribune .
The DOJ threatened to sue Arpaio in early April, after the sheriff rejected an independent monitor. At the time, Sheriff Arpaio said he would not "surrender my office to the federal government."
Both Sheriff Arpaio and President Obama are facing an election in November.
Read the DOJ's press release here .
Related:
Arpaio Rejects Monitor, DOJ Threatens Court Battle
Sheriff Arpaio Calls DOJ Report 'Sad Day for America'
Feds Sue Sheriff Arpaio, Claiming Discrimination Against Hispanics
