The sheriff of metropolitan Phoenix built his reputation around defying those who said it wasn't his job to enforce immigration laws.
But Sheriff Joe Arpaio's stubborn streak is catching up with him. And taxpayers are going to have to foot the bill.
The six-term sheriff will learn in court hearings set to begin Thursday whether he'll face civil fines for disobeying a judge's orders in a racial profiling case. He will also learn whether he'll later be called into criminal court on the same grounds.
A consequence of the court fight is a growing cost to taxpayers.
Maricopa County's bill for defending Arpaio against countless lawsuits during his 22 years as sheriff are expected to reach $125 million by next summer.
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