America’s “Toughest Sheriff” facing litany of lawsuits

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who touts himself as the “America's Toughest Sheriff’ is facing a growing number of lawsuits this week, including the announcement earlier today that the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has filed suit against the company responsible for selling a $456,000 bus to the Sheriff’s Department without the proper procurements.

The board accuses Arpaio and his staff of violating state competitive-bidding requirements, refusing to accept title or license for a vehicle they fear was purchased unlawfully. Arpaio and his staff deny the allegations.

The Maricopa Board of Supervisors are not the first government agency to take issue with Sheriff Department conduct. On Friday of last week, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon took initial steps on suing the sheriff, demanding Maricopa County officials retain all relevant records pertaining to an investigation against the mayor by Arpaio.

Gordon may have to wait in line however. Superior Court Judge Gary Donahoe has also
indicated his intention to sue the sheriff. Others wait in the wings, including County Supervisors Don Stapley and Mary Rose Wilcox, who have had an ongoing dispute with Arpaio over the construction of a new jail facility.

Arpaio is also being eyed by the U.S. Department of Justice who are investigating complaints of racial profiling against the sheriff, known for his “crime sweeps” usually conducted in predominantly Latin-American neighborhoods.

According to county officials, $3.2 million dollars has been spent by the county on legal fees alone since 2008.