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Sheriff Joe's New Lawyers Seek to Extend DOJ Deadline

PHOENIX (AP) – Lawyers for Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio have asked a federal judge for more time to respond to the U.S. Justice Department’s lawsuit seeking records from the sheriff.

The records are sought in a probe of Arpaio’s office for alleged discrimination and unconstitutional searches and seizures. Arpaio believes the inquiry is focused on his immigration efforts.

The Justice Department filed a request asking for the records without having to go to trial.

Lawyers who were recently hired by Arpaio asked that a Wednesday deadline for responding to the Justice Department’s request be extended until Jan. 4.

County officials fired the lawyers who were previously representing Arpaio.

The new lawyers say they need time to get up to speed.

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