Trump Pardons Former Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Convicted Of Defying Judge's Immigration Order

WASHINGTON (CBSNewYork/AP) -- President Donald Trump on Friday pardoned former sheriff Joe Arpaio, the retired Arizona lawman who was convicted for intentionally disobeying a judge's order in an immigration case.

The White House said the 85-year-old ex-sheriff of Arizona's Maricopa County was a "worthy candidate" for a presidential pardon, with the action coming several days after the president -- at a rally in downtown Phoenix, strongly hinted that he intended to issue a pardon.

"So was Sheriff Joe convicted for doing his job?" Trump asked the crowd of supporters. "I'll make a prediction. I think he's going to be just fine, OK."

Arpaio, who became linked to Trump during the campaign for their hardline immigration views, was convicted of a misdemeanor for intentionally defying a judge's order to stop his traffic patrols that targeted immigrants.

Both men also questioned the authenticity of then-President Barack Obama's birth certificate and have a similar history in sparring with judges.

In the statement Friday night, the White House said, "Throughout his time as Sheriff, Arpaio continued his life's work of protecting the public from the scourges of crime and illegal immigration. Sheriff Joe Arpaio is now eighty-five years old, and after more than fifty years of admirable service to our Nation, he is worthy candidate for a Presidential pardon."

(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)