Rebekah L. Sanders

The Arizona Republic

PHOENIX — Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone announced Thursday that he is disbanding his predecessor's Cold Case Posse, a controversial non-profit whose chief claim to fame was investigating outgoing President Obama's birth certificate.

Penzone, who defeated incumbent Sheriff Joe Arpaio in the November election, outlined his 100-Day Plan for the department at a news conference Thursday at the downtown Phoenix headquarters.

"Ultimately in the first 100 days, I want to establish an attitude in this organization that stems from pride and respect and appreciation as much as it stands for unity and collective resources that come together for one service," he said.

Penzone said members of the Cold Case Posse would receive notification starting Thursday that the outfit is shutting down. In some cases, he said, members can apply for jobs in other posses.

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The Cold Case Posse began investigating Obama's birth certificate in 2011 amid questions about whether Obama was born in Hawaii or Africa. The accusations have been debunked, but the posse continued to investigate for five years, funding itself through membership dues and private donations.

Despite the Cold Case Posse closure, Penzone said his commitment to other volunteer posses "remains steadfast."