PHOENIX — Critics of America's self-proclaimed toughest sheriff are calling for his resignation and indictment, and for the sheriff's office to be placed into receivership.
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, known for crime and immigration sweeps, is under fire over allegations that his agency misspent funds and a recent investigation that revealed evidence of corruption among his top commanders.
A request for comment was not immediately answered by Arpaio's spokespeople.
A federal grand jury reportedly has been looking into allegations of abuse of power by Arpaio, former County Attorney Andrew Thomas and their employees since December 2009.
The U.S. Justice Department also is conducting a civil rights investigation of Arpaio's office and examining jail policies that discriminate against people with limited English skills.
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Information from: The Arizona Republic, http://www.azcentral.com
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