Arpaio gets delay in Justice Department lawsuit

A judge granted the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office a two-week delay in the U.S. Justice Department’s lawsuit that seeks records from the police agency.

The records are sought in an investigation of Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s office over complaints about discrimination, unconstitutional searches and seizures. Arpaio believes the inquiry is focused on his immigration efforts.

Arpaio’s lawyers argue a delay was necessary because there was uncertainty about who will represent his office after county officials terminated contract attorneys representing the agency.

The Justice Department opposed the request and called it an unreasonable delay.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Murray Snow gives Arpaio 14 days to find new lawyers.