Prosecutor John Leonardo recuses himself from Arpaio probe
Photographer: ABC15
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Posted: 08/15/2012
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By: Associated Press
PHOENIX - Arizona's new top federal prosecutor recused himself from a criminal abuse-of-power investigation of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's office.
U.S. Attorney John Leonardo tells radio station KJZZ that he won't take part in the probe and that a senior prosecutor in his office will instead take the lead.
Federal authorities are examining the investigative work of the sheriff's anti-public corruption squad.
In his previous job as a judge, Leonardo dismissed charges against a Maricopa County official who was investigated by Arpaio's office.
Leonardo ruled the prosecutor who filed the case had a conflict of interest in retaliating against officials for actions they allegedly took against him.
Leonardo said in his ruling that Arpaio misused his power.
Arpaio aide Jack MacIntyre says it was appropriate for Leonardo to recuse himself.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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