Fresno County's Republican Party bringing former Arizona Sheriff to the Valley before sentencing date

Wednesday, August 23, 2017
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- For the past three years, Fred Vanderhoof said the Fresno County Republican Party has honored members of law enforcement at its annual end of the year gathering. This year former Maricopa County of Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio is the special guest.

"He did an excellent job for many decades, so we just want to honor him and thank him for his service, to not only Arizona, but to the country too."

Right now, Arpaio is facing up to six months in prison after being found guilty of criminal contempt in July, which dates back to his disregard of a court order to stop detaining suspected illegal immigrants.

A US district judge said Arpaio allowed his deputies to racially profile Latinos and refused to put an end to his immigration patrols.

Vanderhoof said despite Arpaios' current situation, his party supports him. But the Fresno County Democratic Party said no one should.

"His actions on defying court orders of illegal immigration-- unbelievable that the Republican Party can't find someone better than a convicted criminal," said Doug Kessler with the Fresno County Democratic Party.

At a campaign rally in Phoenix, President Trump did not issue a pardon of the controversial Arizona Sheriff who is now 85-years-old. However, he hinted that it could likely happen.

"He should have had a jury but you know what, I'll make a prediction-- he's going to be just fine, okay? But I won't do it tonight because I don't want to cause any controversy."

Whether there is controversy or not, what is certain is that Arpaio will be in the Central Valley at the end of September.

Arpaio is scheduled to be sentenced on October 5th, which is just a few days after his trip to Fresno. Of course that could all change if President Trump grants a pardon to the former sheriff.
Copyright © 2024 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.