U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton says she needs a legal explanation before making a decision regarding former Sheriff Joe Arpaio's criminal contempt of court conviction.
In a federal court filing on Thursday, Judge Bolton ordered the Department of Justice prosecutors to explain the legal grounds for their recommendation to have Arpaio's conviction thrown out. Earlier this week prosecutors joined Arpaio's defense attorneys in asking the judge to throw out the conviction after Arpaio was pardoned by President Donald Trump.
But Bolton's order points out case law suggests a conviction remains intact, even after a presidential pardon. DOJ attorneys have until September 21st to respond.
Meanwhile, the former Maricopa County Sheriff will be in Las Vegas this weekend to receive a 'Courage Under Fire' award from the Conservative Leadership Conference.