PHOENIX (AP) — The self-proclaimed “America’s Toughest Sheriff” has returned to the witness stand in a contempt-of-court hearing over defying a judge’s orders to stop carrying out his signature immigration patrols.
Lawyers played recordings in court Thursday of TV interviews that Arpaio gave as he boasted of his immigration-fighting efforts. They also displayed his office’s press releases in an attempt to use the sheriff’s words against him.
The normally brash sheriff provided terse, soft-spoken answers to most of the questions.
Arpaio also said that he has a deep respect for the courts and that it pains him to be in this position after 55 years in law enforcement.
The sheriff could be subjected to fines, increased oversight of his agency and a possible criminal contempt of court hearing.
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