Friday, July 17, 2009, 3:18pm MST | Modified: Friday, July 17, 2009, 4:31pm
by Mike Sunnucks
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Feds have limited powers in Arpaio immigration probe

Federal investigators have limited powers at their disposal in their civil rights investigation into Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s immigration and crime sweeps. They would have to expand their inquiry if they want to be able to take stronger investigative tacks, such as subpoenaing records or convening a grand jury.

The U.S. Justice Department remains mum on whether it is considering expanding its probe of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office beyond the civil rights inquiry. Critics of the sheriff are asking federal investigators to look at financial management, campaign finance and other tactics beyond the immigration raids involving the MCSO, according to officials familiar with the investigation who asked not to be identified.

Arpaio said earlier this month his office would no longer cooperate with the federal inquiry, contending its politically motivated by his critics. He also steadfastly denies any wrongdoing when it comes to the other possible investigative avenues.

The Justice Department is investigating the MCSO under a civil rights statute to see if the sheriff is unfairly targeting Hispanics in crime sweeps and immigration raids.

But a civil rights probe does not allow investigators to subpoena records, convene a grand jury or raid the sheriff’s offices, according to officials familiar with the investigation.

MCSO would not face any penalties under the current investigation.

“It’s a civil statute that only provides for injunctive relief,â€