The Phoenix metro sheriff’s office earmarked millions for compliance costs in a racial profiling case during an immigration crackdown, but used most of the money for other purposes, according to a new report.
The Associated Press detailed that compliance money was used for things like surplus body-worn camera licenses that went beyond court orders; office renovations; dozens of new vehicles; and even a golf cart to take staff from headquarters to the internal affairs operation.
The case in question took place in 2013 and was a result of then-sheriff Joe Arpaio’s traffic patrols, which targeted immigrants between 2008 and 2011. It led to an overhaul of traffic patrol operations and the internal affairs unit.
Maricopa County authorities say $323 million has been spent on addressing the verdict, with the total expected to clock in at $352 million by July next year.
However, a report noted that 72% of $226 million in spending analyzed was wrongly attributed or “improperly prorated” to the compliance fund. They were either unrelated or unnecessary, lacked justification or were directly a misrepresentation of their purpose, analysts said.
Current Sheriff, Jerry Sheridan, acknowledged discrepancies in the report. He is the fourth sheriff to have to abide by the ruling.
Originally published on Latin Times
