Critics speak out on Arpaio's probe of Obama's birth certificate

PHOENIX, AZ - Sheriff Joe Arpaio 's news conference Tuesday to release the findings of an investigation into President Barack Obama's birth certificate drew criticism from many who disagree with Arpaio's policies.

Dennis Howerton staged a one man protest outside MCSO's Training Facility off 35th Avenue in Phoenix.

Howerton wants to see John Rowan elected Maricopa County Sheriff this fall and points to Arpaio's birther investigation as one of the reasons why.

"The analysis of the documents is like it's being done by the criminology class at a junior college," said Howerton.

Paul Penzone also wants to replace Sheriff Arpaio.

Penzone claims Arpaio's investigation of President Obama proves he's lost touch with the real issues facing Maricopa County.

"Those in leadership should be good stewards of taxpayer dollars and not wasting our dollars on an investigation when they could be allocated to cases that affect our community," said Penzone.

On Thursday, Arpaio will go on trial to defend himself against a lawsuit that claims he harassed and discriminated against Latinos in Maricopa County.

Activist Salvador Reza tells ABC15 Arpaio held the birther news conference to deflect attention away from the upcoming trial.

"He's trying to create a smoke screen because he's going to be on the witness stand," said Reza.

It's a sentiment shared by Frank Camacho of the Arizona Democratic Party who called MCSO's Obama investigation a giant waste of time and money.

"He wants to deflect attention away from the fact that he's going on trial in two days for racial profiling," said Camacho.

A spokesperson for Mike Stauffer , another candidate for Maricopa County Sheriff, agreed with the other candidates who called the news conference a smokescreen to distract from Arpaio's upcoming trial.