Fox News: Trump 'Seriously Considering' a Pardon for Joe Arpaio
Theodore Bunker
President Donald Trump might pardon ex-sheriff Joe Arpaio, who two weeks ago was found guilty of criminal contempt for refusing to stop traffic patrols that targeted suspected illegal immigrants.
"I am seriously considering a pardon for Sheriff Arpaio," Trump told Fox News Sunday, at his golf club in Bedminster, N.J. where he's staying for much of this month. "He has done a lot in the fight against illegal immigration. He's a great American patriot and I hate to see what has happened to him."
He added that if he does choose to pardon Arpaio, that it would come in the next few days.
"I might do it right away, maybe early this week," he said. "I am seriously thinking about it."
In 2011, an Arizona judge ordered the then-sheriff to cease the patrols, but they continued for another 17 months. He defended himself by saying one of his former attorney's failed to fully explain the details of the restrictions issued by the court. Arpaio faces as much as six months in jail, though that is unlikely considering his 85 years of age.
"Is there anyone in local law enforcement who has done more to crack down on illegal immigration than Sheriff Joe?" asked Trump. "He has protected people from crimes and saved lives. He doesn't deserve to be treated this way."
Fox News reached out to Arpaio and informed him of Trump's support. The network reports the former sheriff was surprised that Trump had heard of the verdict.
"I am happy he understands the case," he said. "I would accept the pardon because I am 100 percent not guilty," though he added that he "would never ask [Trump] for a pardon, especially if it causes heat. I don't want to do anything that would hurt the president."
https://www.newsmax.com/US/trump-pardon-joe-arpaio-arizona/2017/08/14/id/807605/