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Critics want Sheriff Joe to resign

Joe Arpaio’s critics said on Wednesday that the sheriff must be forced out for failing to adequately investigate more than 400 sex-crimes cases in the county

By Jacques Billeaud
The Associated Press

PHOENIX — One hundred opponents of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio turned out at a meeting of county officials to urge them to call for the sheriff’s resignation.

Arpaio’s critics said on Wednesday that the sheriff must be forced out for failing to adequately investigate more than 400 sex-crimes cases in the county. They also say he inappropriately spent $103 million from two jail funds over an eight-year period.

The Board of Supervisors didn’t act on the request to put a resolution calling for Arpaio’s resignation on its January agenda.

The board has budgetary authority over the sheriff, but doesn’t have the power to fire Arpaio.

Arpaio has refused recent calls for him to quit and plans to seek a sixth term next year.

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