As earlier diaries here have documented, Arpaio has been bending the law and outright ignoring the Constitution with his infamous immigration “sweeps,” which target a neighborhood, then sweep in to check the papers of anyone guilty of being there while brown. He says to his many wingnut supporters here that he's saving them from crime, disease, social decay, and everything else that comes from south of the border, but the truth is he's ignoring serious crime while he focuses on rounding up dishwashers and landscapers.

And the sweeps are just the tip of this unconstitutional iceberg, which includes torture and outright death in his prisons. You can read about some of his activities in this diary from a few months ago, which examines his links to White Supremacists and other racist groups. David Iglesias, the Bush-fired US Attorney from New Mexico, said a few months ago, when reviewing Arpaio’s actions, that "I would seek an indictment," and it appears someone is finally listening to him. Iglesias appears at about the 7 minute mark of this Channel 5 investigative story, which itself provides a good overview of why so many people here want to see this yahoo booted from office.

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The Channel 5 article from today continues:



Federal officials have been investigating whether Sheriff Joe Arpaio and his office are using their power to retaliate against critics – a subject at the center of a recent 5 Investigates report.

I had previous diaried about Arpaio’s retaliatory efforts, especially toward the press and other politicians. You just don't get on this bully's wrong side. It's good to see the traditional media is finally showing some spine. I’m going to watch the game now, but will update this later tonight.

QUICK UPDATE: The story is now up on the Arizona Republic website:



Two high-ranking Maricopa County officials confirmed late Thursday that they will testify next week before a federal grand jury exploring allegations that the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has abused power. County Manager David Smith and Assistant County Manager Sandi Wilson said they were preparing to testify before the grand jury on Wednesday. Sheriff Joe Arpaio denied any knowledge of the grand jury, but news of sheriff's officials being called to testify before a federal panel has been circulating in county circles for months.

MARCH UPDATE: If you find yourself in the Phoenix area on Jan. 16 consider joining this march . HT to RadioGirl and Man Eegee.