Trump pardons controversial ex-Arizona sheriff Arpaio — White House

In this Dec. 18, 2013, file photo, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio speaks at a news conference at the Sheriff’s headquarters in Phoenix, Ariz. President Donald Trump has pardoned former sheriff Joe Arpaio following his conviction for intentionally disobeying a judge’s order in an immigration case. The White House announced the move Friday night, Aug. 25, 2017, saying the 85-year-old ex-sheriff of Arizona’s Maricopa County was a “worthy candidate” for a presidential pardon. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump on Friday issued a presidential pardon to tough-talking former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was convicted last month of contempt of court charges for violating an order that he refrain from detaining unauthorized immigrants.

“Throughout his time as sheriff, Arpaio continued his life’s work of protecting the public from the scourges of crime and illegal immigration,” the White House said in a statement.

“Sheriff Joe Arpaio is now eighty-five years old, and after more than fifty years of admirable service to our Nation, he is a worthy candidate for a presidential pardon.”

Arpaio, the former sheriff of Maricopa County, had been due to be sentenced in October.