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• nili 12/20/2009 7:44:13 PM

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• Ray Stern 12/03/2009 11:07:17 AM

  The period in question was from February to November 2007. Read my blog post on the overtime issue here: http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2009/08/sheriffs_office_overtime_repor.php

• Joel Fox 12/03/2009 1:50:04 AM

  Tommy - You don't last 20 years in this business without thick skin, including a thick forehead. I'll take neither of your choices, thanks anyway. I've never claimed to be a spokesman for the entire MCSO. It's a big place and I don't even know about the things that happen outside of my area of responsibility. I won't make blanket condemnations or defenses on things I know nothing about...unlike some others we know... Of course my story is outlandish to you...you only have parts of it, and even those parts are only seen through your "I hate Joe" glasses. Reasonable and prudent requires a bit of objectivity, no? Sarah/FormerRepublican - Please do try to stay on topic. You and Ray want Arpaio, Hendershott, and Thomas to investigate themselves on their involvement with the decision I made to give money to the Republican Party, for which there was none. Nobody said anything about all that other stuff. But since you bring it up... Honduras was not illegal. Maybe you don't agree with how the money was spent, but I don't know anyone who agrees with everything the government does with their money, so join the club. Disagreeing philosophically with you is not illegal. Likewise, the bus purchase was not illegal. MCSO does have to follow the rules, just not the rules you make up. Excesses? You've got to be kidding me. You believe what you read in the newtimes???? And what does "936 hours of overtime in one period" mean? Surely you don't mean pay period, because a pay period is two weeks. Even if a person worked 24 hours a day for 14 days straight, which would be physically impossible, that is only 256 hours of overtime. Last I checked, you can't work more than 24 hours a day, no matter how you add it up. But then again, not much of what you write adds up, so it's nothing new.

• TommyC 12/02/2009 9:42:38 PM

  Joel, you can feel some relief one or two ways: (1)Pick up a 16 oz ball peen hammer and hit yourself repeatedly in the forehead for five minutes, or (2)just continue to profess that MCSO is clean and has no corruption and the shurf really is a good guy. Either way, you will bleed and you will be the only one feeling good about it. Your story is so outlandish to the reasonable, prudent person that not even Hendershott is likely to believe it, and he appears neither reasonable or prudent. But, I will give you credit for perseverance. You obviously have a very thick forehead.

• AZJayMan 12/02/2009 2:43:38 PM

  Did anyone read today's Arizona Republic? "Arpaio and Thomas file suit alleging conspiracy." "Pair say other officials in county obstructing them." "They are asking for unspecified monetary damages and attorney's fees." I started laughing my ass off when I read this article on Maricopa County's two most hated men. They want "equitable relief so that we can do our jobs." Sheriff Joe's job is to violate the civil rights of Hispanics all across Maricopa County, as well as make us all live in fear. Andrew Thomas's job is to refuse to prosecute the sheriff when he has direct knowledge of civil rights violations, and refuse to help the citizens of this county by actually standing up to the sheriff when he violates our civil rights. Neither one of these two men actually do the jobs the citizens of this county elected them to do. Joel Fox: I read your comment. Do us all a favor and enforce the Miranda warning about the right to remain silent upon yourself. Joe and Andrew do their jobs when they violate civil rights and refuse to prosecute. Their lawsuit is without merit completely. Also in today's Republic: Detention officer not going to jail due to an "error" in paperwork. I hope Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Gary Donahoe cites Sheriff Joe and Andrew Thomas for contempt of court. That detention officer violated attorney/client privilege when he seized those documents, violating the 4th Amendment, preventing unlawful search and seizure, and copying them, violating the 5th, 6th, and 14th Amendments, preventing self-incrimination, the right to a speedy trial, and All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. I hope the attorney and the client sue the hell outta Sheriff Joe, the MCSO, the MCAO, and Andrew Thomas and seek their permanent removal from public office. I know I would if I was that lawyer, and if I was a judge, I'd throw the book or 3 at Sheriff Joe and Thomas. They continue to violate our rights and they want their rights enforced. I agree with Mr. Snow: Sheriff Joe and Andrew Thomas gotta go!

• FormerRepublican 12/01/2009 10:48:47 PM

  JOEL FOX: How DARE you sit on the blogs and relate to the rest of us readers that the Sheriff doesn't investigate himself or Hendershott because he's done nothing wrong????? Do you realize how very ridiculous you sound? How about the Honduras trip Joel? Can you sell the benefits of the blobs vacationing there? Please don't spew the "law enforcement benefits" because there are not and were never any "gains" for law enforcement, save a sweet vacation for a select few. Next, let's talk about the illegal bus purchase. A Class 4 felony if it pursued. Who the hell does the sheriff think HE is that he doesn't have to abide by the rules? Next, let's talk about the excesses like 2 take home cars for Hendershott, 936 hours of overtime in one period for David Jr., take home cars for everybody and DRIVERS, SECURITY AND MORE SECURITY for these dumb asses. Now let's talk about the SCA. Of course you're going to say that the Sheriff and Hendershott did nothing wrong, because you're involved up to your eyeglasses. Now let's talk about the disrepect for the judicial system displayed by Arpaio in the DO Stoddard case. Your whole department needs a delousing. Let's start with you, since you're most vocal. Then we can move on to the fatter, greasier little hogs that share the pen in the Wells Fargo building. Bacon for everyone.

• Phil 12/01/2009 9:48:41 PM

  With that last sentance in this long article, you, the "new times" ought to step out into the light yourselves.

• Watchdog 12/01/2009 11:29:53 AM

  Vanity thy name is Ray Stern. - Joel Fox Stupidity and Arrogance and Idiocy and Brainless and Clueless and Ignorant and Fool and Dupe and Toadie and Bootlicker, thy name is Joel Fox. - Phoenix Native Joel, you really ought to do yourself and everyone else a big favor and shut the fuck up.

• Joel Fox 11/30/2009 10:05:51 PM

  erm...sergeant???? Is there some genetic defect making accuracy impossible? I mean, that's an easy one: you've been writing about me for over a year, and always refered to my rank correctly. Or is this supposed to be insulting? There is no insult in being an MCSO Sergeant...you'll have to do better than that. Or do you just want people to believe that I've been demoted to add some credibility to your unfounded and baseless accusations against me? Sorry, Ray. No charges filed, and no demotion either. Just because you can't seem to get passed this point and constantly bring it up when it is pointless doesn't mean that anything actually happened. You still can't seem to grasp (or hope your readers can't grasp) that what you are asking for is that Arpaio, Thomas, and Hendershott investigate themselves for doing nothing wrong, or, in the alternative, ask the Attorney General to investigate a case they are already investigating. You're usually a reasonable, rational person. So why be unreasonable and irrational? Malicious? Vindictive? Bitter? Too proud to admit when you're wrong? Vanity thy name is Ray Stern.

• anti billstoller 11/30/2009 9:14:35 PM

  what a stupid comment. great article. what are you afraid of bill and chicago friend? another mob member from chicago?

• Dwight 11/30/2009 7:41:33 AM

  Isn�t it about time that the near sighted people of Arizona open their eyes and look at the big picture. Sheriff Joe acts like a mob boss, with vendetta as his main way of operating. In fact Joe isn�t the big immigration fighter as he would like everyone to think he is. Phoenix, Mesa, and other police departments have arrested more illegal aliens than Joe has. He just gets his face in front of cameras more. Others believe in doing the job, not professing to. Isn�t it amazing that people are so concerned about hurting others, such as the mom�s and pop�s illegal aliens that they are willing to accept the fact that one of the top law enforcement officials of this state, is apparently corrupt. If sheriff Joe wanted to really do a good job, he would target gang bangers and drugies instead of going to shopping malls and taking down mothers with children in tow, because they look Mexican, as his deputies have done in Mesa. The mothers are easier targets than the gang bangers because they most likely wouldn�t shoot back. So the gang bangers get a pass. In fact most of the business raided by Joe have had working illegal aliens who pay taxes and hardly ever get returns, so the state and US benefit. The claim that the illegal aliens just drain our system is mostly false and just a scare tactic to get people riled up about aliens so sheriff Joe and others look good. Andrew Thomas and Sheriff Joe both look as if they are the real bad guys.

• AZJayMan 11/29/2009 3:29:20 PM

  I wasn't joking when I said that Thomas should be barred from practicing law. I find it completely puzzling that the Arizona Bar Association, which certifies lawyers, hasn't already pulled the plug on him. I am also not joking when I say that monkeys could run his office,(considering he IS a monkey) do his job, and actually reduce crime, save valuable taxpayer money, and get citizens to stop living in fear. While Sheriff Joe and his office is under federal investigation, they should not be allowed to do their jobs. It compromises the integrity of the investigations being conducted, and keeps citizens living in fear and in jeopardy. What are we, cavemen? I guarantee you that the feds are not going to do a thing to Sheriff Joe and Andrew Thomas. Not a single lawsuit will be filed. Not one criminal or civil charge will be brought against them. I had a brilliant idea the other day. Since Queen Creek and Guadalupe have MCSO contracts for police services, and the MCSO services suck donkey balls, why doesn't Queen Creek contract with Mesa and Apache Junction for police services, and Guadalupe can contract with Mesa, Tempe, or Phoenix? That will save the taxpayers a fortune! Maybe the citizens of Maricopa County can file a lawsuit against Andrew Thomas and Sheriff Joe and ask a judge for their permanent removal from public office, forbid them from ever seeking office in Arizona or any other state, and award the citizens a small fortune for our abuses. Any takers?

• Alison Hicks 11/28/2009 7:26:52 PM

  Sheriff Joe Arpaio is the most EXPENSIVE WASTE OF TAX PAYERS MONEY EVER IN HISTORY. Noted for...Pink underwear, 138 degrees torture tents. I think he's full of bologna. Alison Hicks BackSPIN www.backspinmymovie.com

• Dave 11/27/2009 2:36:21 PM

  Thomas and Sheriff Joe have disgraced the entire system of justice in Arizona. Both should be in prison. These two, and many senior co-conspirators, have made Arizona a laughing stock. I pray a brave deputy or lawyer will whisle blow this case ASAP. Perhaps the oft repeated BS of "...they are the only one's doing anything about illegal immigration..." is the reason they were reelected. Even if that were true (it's not), we would all be far safer if they devoted there resourses to warrant service and DUI suppression. Maybe we can get lucky and the FBI or the Justice Department will come and get them. We can only hope.

• FormerRepublican 11/26/2009 11:20:57 PM

  Well said. "Andrew Thomas needs to leave public office for the rest of his life. He ought to be barred from ever practicing law in this state again."

• AZJayMan 11/26/2009 3:16:08 PM

  100 new charges on Don Stapley? As far as I can see, there is only one charge that can emerge here, and that is perjury, which no judge is going to waste limited taxpayer money prosecuting. And didn't Sheriff Joe commit the same crime, without getting arrested? Andrew Thomas needs to leave public office for the rest of his life. He ought to be barred from ever practicing law in this state again. I fully stand by and support the MCBofS and hopefully we can get rid of the blockheads we have in county police and government.

• chris long 11/26/2009 1:30:03 PM

  But, seriously, folks ! Anyone who hos lived in Phx any length of time surprised at this ? Discrediting and destroying political opponents via the legal system is a time-honored tradition in Phx. It's rotten, from top to bottom, and shot through-and-through with corruption. Funny, how the Fat Cats play their games and spin their money webs, regardless of what the little people think...

• Coz 11/25/2009 11:05:30 PM

  http://www.kpho.com/iteam/21470567/detail.html Sources: FBI Investigating Joe Arpaio Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's Actions 'Absolutely Unacceptable,' Former US Attorney Says PHOENIX -- The FBI is looking into accusations that Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is using his position to settle political vendettas. Watch: Sheriff Joe Arpaio Abuses Power, Sources Claim Over the past year, 5 Investigates examined more than two dozen complaints against the sheriff from business owners, government workers, mayors and law-enforcement officials. They claim they spoke out against Arpaio, and shortly after, deputies paid them unwelcome visits. Mayor: 'I Was Targeted' Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon said he's found himself in the sheriff's crosshairs on multiple occasions. In April 2008, Gordon wrote to the Justice Department, asking it to investigate complaints of racial profiling against the sheriff's office stemming from Arpaio's well-publicized crime-suppression sweeps. Less than a month later, sheriff's deputies demanded copies of all the mayor's e-mail, phone logs and appointment calendars. It "definitely was" retaliation, Gordon said. "It was multiple inquiries and investigations acknowledged by some of the sheriff's own people." Police Chief Finds Himself Under Fire Former Mesa Police Chief George Gascon was openly critical of the sheriff's crime sweeps. In October 2008, deputies conducted midnight raids on Mesa City Hall and the public library, ostensibly to search for illegal immigrants working as janitors. Mesa city leaders and Gascon said the show of force, dubbed "Operation Clean Sweep," was extreme. "I believe the activities took place by the sheriff's department yesterday put people at risk," Gascon said at the time. Arpaio shot back. "You know what this is all about," the sheriff said. "I'm going to tell you what this all about. It's embarrassment. Don't go around accusing my office and my deputies about risking the lives of the Mesa citizens." Politicians, Journalists Targets The list of people subjected to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office investigations reads like a Who's Who of the Valley, and it includes people who have authority over the sheriff and people who challenged his authority: Dan Saban, who ran against the sheriff in 2004 and 2008 Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard Maricopa County Manager David Smith The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Superior Court Presiding Judge Barbara Mundell ACLU attorney Daniel Pochoda None of the investigations resulted in convictions; however, they cost the targets hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees and tarnished reputations. Many of the targets were never charged with a crime. "He knows he never has to prove anything," said Gordon. "He just raises the issue, and then he hides behind the badge -- and the damage is done." In 2004, former Phoenix New Times reporter Dougherty found himself under criminal investigation after he had been working on a story about the sheriff's hidden land investments -- a story that was potentially embarrassing for Arpaio. At one point, deputies told the journalist that he had approached Arpaio "in a threatening manner with a silver, metallic object," Dougherty said. "They know that I was a reporter for the New Times, and they knew for sure that I was just showing him a tape recorder," he said. "I think it was clearly retaliation because they wanted to stop us from pursuing our investigation into his offices." Despite the investigation, the New Times continued to report on the land story, and on the night of Oct. 18, 2007, the paper's publisher and executive editor were arrested and jailed. County Attorney Andrew Thomas dropped all charges the next day, saying the investigation had spun out of control. "It has become clear to me that this investigation has gone in a direction that I would not have authorized," Thomas said at the time. "I believe (Arpaio) did everything in his power to weaken our ability to report the news," Dougherty said. A Pattern Emerges Perhaps no other investigation has played out as publicly as that of County Supervisor Don Stapley. Stapley was indicted on 118 charges relating to the nondisclosure of a variety of land deals, business associations and business assets. At the time, the county supervisor said he was falsely accused. Fifty-two of the charges were thrown out in August, and prosecutors requested the rest be dropped in September. Three days after the request was made, deputies arrested Stapley on 100 new counts -- 93 felonies and seven misdemeanors. According to Stapley's attorney Paul Charlton, the county supervisor made himself a target when "he opposed the sheriff's budget." "(Stapley) insisted that there be someone placed in (Arpaio's) office that audits the budget," Charlton said. Charlton, a former U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, said a pattern begins to emerge when he looks at a list of the people the sheriff has targeted. "Every single one of those individuals has in common their opposition to Joe Arpaio for a legitimate political issue," he said. Charlton's conclusion? "When you cross this guy for legitimate reasons, you're going to find yourself under criminal investigation for completely illegitimate reasons," he said. 'I've Never Seen Anything Like This' Sources tell 5 Investigates that the FBI's investigation into the sheriff's activities began more than a year ago, when President George W. Bush was in office. The FBI has a policy of not commenting on open investigations; however, 5 Investigates took its research to an unbiased source: former U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico David Iglesias. Iglesias, who is the real-life military lawyer portrayed by Tom Cruise in the movie A Few Good Men, has a national reputation for putting principle above politics. He has no connection to the current FBI investigation into Arpaio, who he has never met. "I've been in and around law enforcement for about 20 years -- state, local and federal level (and) even some military prosecution work. I've never seen anything like this," Iglesias said after he looked through 5 Investigates' research and did some on his own. If he were handling the case, Iglesias said, "I would work very closely with the civil rights division in Washington, D.C., and based on the information I have, I would seek an indictment." An Arpaio defense consisting of, "I had a reason to investigate that person," wouldn't work, Iglesias said. "It's a defense, but the question is, 'Is it a winning defense?' And I think the answer to that is, 'No,'" he said. It's unknown whether the FBI investigation will result in criminal charges. 5 Investigates' sources said investigators may be trying to turn a trusted deputy against the sheriff. Nevertheless, if they can't, Iglesias indicated the pattern of cases might be enough to take the sheriff to court. "(Arpaio's actions are) absolutely unacceptable," Iglesias said. "We don't do think kind of thing in America -- in this country -- without some kind of consequences. Arpaio refused repeated requests for an interview regarding this story, but the sheriff's office provided a statement. "The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office does not retaliate against any specific individual or agency," it reads. "The Sheriff's Office provides the citizens of Maricopa County with professional and efficient law enforcement services."

• Coz 11/25/2009 10:38:37 PM

  Channel 5's Report. http://www.kpho.com/arpaio/interactive.html

• Bill Stoller and Gerri Cocozza 11/25/2009 8:45:37 PM

  True, we shouldn't automatically dismiss Stern as nonsense. But after reconsideration, we feel that our first statement is valid. He's capable of doing much better investigative reporting.

• Bill Loser and Gerri Cougar 11/25/2009 10:34:13 AM

  Hey, look a new story by Ray Stern and we don't even have to read it! We'll just post some senseless comments and get to see our names on the screen! How cool is that?

• Chad Snow 11/25/2009 9:30:18 AM

  Corruption, abuse of power, misuse of RICO funds, poor crime fighting, and fiscal mismanagement - it seems as if every day there is a new story involving Joe Arpaio's complete disregard for the taxpayers, rule of law, and the Constitution. Is it time to start discussing a credible campaign to recall Joe Arpaio? Or do we wait for the Feds to do their jobs? He has pissed off many powerful people, the Latino community hates him with a passion, law enforcement holds him in contempt, and now he's alienating the Mormon community, which represents almost 10% of registered voters in Maricopa County. That's a significant block of voters that would support a recall. I don't care what the Rasmussen Poll says - the Chad Snow poll shows that almost everyone I talk to thinks Joe Arpaio's act has gotten old and he needs to go.

• EnoughisEnough 11/24/2009 11:32:09 PM

  ABUSE OF POWER- MISUSE OF PUBLIC MONIES - MISUSE OF RICO FUNDS -MISUSE OF JAIL ENHANCEMENT FUNDS - CORRUPTION When are the feds going to indict Thomas, Arpaio and Hendershott? It cannot come soon enough. We need to be rid of these three carpetbaggers PRONTO.

• FormerRepublican 11/24/2009 11:26:42 PM

  While Hendershott is ORDERING UP arrests on others, he might well prepare his own arrest warrant, or at least get fitted for an inmate moo-moo. I think he's going down with the rest of these clowns. Getting indictments on these three ought to be the US Attorney's priority at the moment. Shame on all these three crooked, evil and sadistic bastards. Lisa Aubuchon ought to lose her right to practice law when this is all over - it was HER call on some of this B.S. and she had an obligation to prosecute Arpaio AND the SCA issue with the same tenacity she went after Stapley with. I hope she sees the defendant's table soon. Her behavior is criminal.

• FormerRepubican 11/24/2009 11:19:57 PM

  So Thomas continues to lie to the public by telling anyone who asks that the SCA case is UNDER REVIEW? If his mouth is moving, he's lying. He had an OBLIGATION to the citizens of this county to handle the SCA case as he has others; something he has steadfastly refused to do. Obviously it's because HE, ARPAIO and HENDERSHOTT ARE the SCA case. They are the benefactors of the donations. Joel Fox was the surrogate but the baby is theirs. It's no wonder that the DOJ and the FBI are looking closely at MCSO and the MCAO. And these corrupt, reckless and unprofessional clowns want to get re-elected? Fat chance.

• Coz 11/24/2009 11:06:58 PM

  Comments from idiots like this is what makes Maricopa County so fucked up. In this idiots mind, all the corruption in the world by his hero's Bozo Joke and Candy Ass Thomas is ok as long as their chasing them pesky Mexicans. It's no wonder why Maricopa County is the toilet it is when you have total morons like Asshole (Stoller) & Ass-sociates living here. Amazing people like this fool Stoller can be this stupid, I never thought it possible anyone could be this full out brain dead. >>As Asshole & Ass-sociates said...Stern, you took two weeks off to write this boring article? What else is new? Across the board corruption, but at least Joe Arpaio and the MCSO are enforcing federal immigration laws

• Coz 11/24/2009 10:59:23 PM

  Great job Ray... In 57 years of life, I have lived in many different places and seen a lot in my lifetime, but I have never seen a County so fucked up, so disfunctional, or so totally corrupt in all that time... Maricopa County and it's elected leaders are an absolute joke. Can't wait to get out of this toilet called Arizona.

• Solutions offered; out with arpaio and thomas 11/24/2009 10:06:01 PM

  Ray, this was a very insightful article which once again confirms the accusers are worse than the accused and pose a threat to anyone who crosses their paths. That should be reason enough to get them out of office, put "term limits" into effect for the sheriff's job and not allow a county attorney to run for higher office until he's left job for a minimum of 3 years. It's time for power abusers arpaio and thomas to resign and allow the next generation to take their place, and bring Arizona into the 21st century.

• Concerned Citizen 11/24/2009 6:51:07 PM

  "Donahoe ruled in the board's favor and kicked Thomas off the case, stating that Thomas' desired role as both lawyer and adversary had the "appearance of evil" Appearance of evil is exactly what it appears to be to the public. Thomas and Arpaio have wasted taxpayers limited resources and with reckless abandon. It's time for them to be replaced. They have ruined the community and put all (not just Hispanics) people at risk with their abuse of power and rights violations.

• Seeking answers 11/24/2009 6:36:12 PM

  "Thomas wanted Stapley arrested and booked into jail, but a judge nixed the idea, saying it was unnecessary." Why doesn't Thomas want the former Scottsdale police officer that has been accused of illegal strip-search tactics on 20 women including a teenager thrown into jail? Why so quiet on the Scottsdale Police who has a pattern of serious abuse of power?

• Bill Stoller and Gerri Cocozza 11/24/2009 5:14:02 PM

  Stern, you took two weeks off to write this boring article? What else is new? Across the board corruption, but at least Joe Arpaio and the MCSO are enforcing federal immigration laws where it's so badly needed. What is "The Staple Singer(s)" doing for his community? Nothing, but stealing from us. By the way, the "The Staple Singer(s)" reference means that the bum will probably turn snitch to avoid prison. Stern instead of wasting time on this nonsense, help your community take down the drophouses and crime properties. Of course, you probably don't have the gonads to do any REAL community service reporting. Punk.