Arpaio Found To Have Abused Office To Target Critics — Proceeds To Make Steven Seagal a Deputy

An independent prosecutor has found Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio and former Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas had no basis for their public-corruption charges against critics and judges who sought to curtail their abuse of their offices. Navajo County Attorney Brad Carlyon reached the same conclusion as virtually all outside observers, including this blog. In the meantime, Arpaio continues his use of this office to pander to public sentiments and legitimize vigilantism. He announced this week that he had added “Hulk” star Lou Ferrigno and actor Steven Seagal to his anti-immigration posse.

Thomas proved to be a disgrace to the bar in his blind alliance with Arpaio and abuse of his office. The question is how the bar will deal with him and whether they will act with the commitment shown in the Nifong case. Yet, Thomas has announced the creation of his own law firm virtually at the same time that he was found to have grossly abused his office.

As for Arpaio, he continues his prior use of celebrities and publicity to distract away from his own abuse of the law. Ferrigno and Seagal have previously worked as deputies in other part of the county. Arpaio called them his “national known celebrity crime fighters.” These stars appear undeterred by Arpaio’s past abuses or the current federal investigation into his office.

I must confess that I have always found Seagal movies to be the lowest form of entertainment matched by the lowest quality acting. Now he can extend his signature career to law enforcement.

Source: TPM

Jonathan Turley