Arizona sheriff costs taxpayers $100M with latest payout

Tells public “$100 million is not unreasonable"

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY/AP) - Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's legal fees have now cost tax payers $100 million, years after he left office.

This was detailed in a Maricopa County report, tied to a recent payout.

The county still continues to pay these legal bills through lawsuits stemming from Arpaio’s six terms nearly five years after Arpaio was voted out as sheriff. Maricopa officials confirm taxpayers are responsible for the costs.

On Wednesday, October 20, they agreed to pay $3.1 million to cover a settlement. It involved a restaurant owner who alleged Arpaio defamed him and violated his rights when raiding his businesses.

Back in the 2016 presidential race, Arpaio was one of the first elected officials to endorse Former President Trump's campaign. He was later convicted in July 2017.

The two once again broke headlines the next month when Former President Trump pardoned Arpaio saying his work protected "the public from the scourges of crime and illegal immigration."