Joe Arpaio: Accepting Pardon Is Not An Admission Of Guilt

By Jimmy Jenkins
Published: Monday, August 28, 2017 - 7:09am
Updated: Monday, August 28, 2017 - 4:47pm
Audio icon Download mp3 (1.23 MB)
Former Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

Joe Arpaio’s attorneys are expected to enter his pardon from President Trump into the court records this week, making it official. But the former sheriff said accepting the pardon doesn’t mean he’s accepting guilt.

Arpaio said he’s considering legal action against media and elected officials that have accused him of racial profiling.

“I’m not a racist," Arpaio said Sunday evening. "This has nothing to do with that. This was a contempt of court for allegedly disobeying a judge.”

Arpaio said he’s started writing a book and will be going on a speaking tour soon.

RELATED: To hear an interview with KJZZ's Jimmy Jenkins on The Show, click here.

He is still seeking donations for his legal defense fund. He said taxpayer money spent on litigation related to his 24 years in office has been exaggerated.

“They say it’s something like $100 million. Come on, that’s nothing compared to other agencies," Arpaio said.

He blamed ongoing legal expenses for himself and the county on the Judge in his case. Arpaio said the current Sheriff’s decision to throw out legal appeals will end up costing the county even more.

Arpaio said he’s had no further communications with the White House but would be ready if called upon to serve by the President.

The 85-year-old is not ruling out another run for political office.

"I haven’t put that to sleep," Arpaio said. "Who knows what the future will bring? A lot of people still want me to run. I just can't retire and look at the sunset — that's not in me."

The Show