County officials confirm grand jury investigation of Arpaio, his office
By Jacques Billeaud, APThursday, January 7, 2010
Officials confirm probe of Arpaio, his office
PHOENIX — Two top county officials said Thursday night they’ve been subpoenaed to testify next week before a federal grand jury to answer questions about a high-profile Arizona sheriff and his office.
In statements read by a county spokesman, Maricopa County Manager David Smith and Deputy County Manager Sandi Wilson said they met with a federal prosecutor to discuss the case and will testify Wednesday.
Wilson says the general subject of inquiry is abuses by Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s office.
Sandy Raynor, a spokeswoman for the U.S attorney’s office in Phoenix, said she couldn’t confirm or deny a grand jury investigation.
Sheriff’s spokesman Brian Lee says Arpaio is declining to comment on the investigation.
Arpaio gained national attention after aggressively cracking down on illegal immigration.
