PHOENIX (CN) - Sheriff Joe Arpaio sued the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors again, claiming it violated public records law to delay his investigations. It's the second time Arpaio has sued the board this spring.
On Jan. 21 the board ordered that no county elected or appointed official could issue a public records request on the county without an internal information request form.
Arpaio says that violates Arizona public record laws because it prohibits county officials from issuing public records requests that should be open to inspection by anyone.
Arpaio claims that the board lacks the authority to require him "or any other person to make their public records requests ... through an Internal Information Form."
When the board adopted its new policy, it was aware Arpaio "was conducting an investigation of the Board and County Management concerning ... the construction of the criminal court tower and the financial disclosures of Supervisor Don Stapley," Arpaio claims. He says the board took the action it did to delay his investigation.
In his Superior Court lawsuit, Arpaio demands the records he requested.
Arpaio, who calls himself "America's Toughest Sheriff," has been vilified and lauded for his harsh treatment of immigrants and inmates. He sued the board recently in a dispute over who controls a criminal justice database.
Arpaio is represented by L. Eric Dowell, with Ogletree, Deakins & Nash.
Follow @jamierossCNS
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