PHOENIX -- The U.S. Department of Justice has given Sheriff Joe Arpaio a new Deadline. Department officials said Arpaio has until Friday to "provide clear and unequivocal agreement to cooperate" with their investigation into alleged civil rights violations. The DOJ wants Arpaio to turn over documents and cooperate with its inquiry.
Arpaio's office is being investigated for alleged discrimination, unconstitutional searches and seizures, and having an English-only policy in his jails that allegedly discriminates against people with limited English skills.
Arpaio believes the inquiry is focused on his immigration patrols.
The DOJ threatened to sue the Sheriff's Office if it did not turn over records by an initial deadline of Aug. 17.
Robert Driscoll, a lawyer for Arpaio, said he didn't expect such a lawsuit to be filed before he met with officials. That meeting, however, ended in another deadline of Friday.
Maricopa County officials have expressed concern the federal government will withhold funding from the county as a result of the sheriff's actions. "Some of the federal funds are possibly at risk because Sheriff Arpaio resuses to comply with their investigation," said Cari Gerchick, the county's communications director.
Maricopa County received $113 million from the U.S. governement during fiscal year 2008-2009.
Gerichick said Arpaio has also refused to fulfill public records requests from the county.
The Justice Department has been investigating Arpaio's operation since March 2009.
