Arizona Republican Rep. Andy Biggs on Monday released a statement and sent a letter to President Donald Trump asking him to pardon former Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Trump is headed to Arizona on Tuesday to hold a rally, and Biggs would like to see the president pardon the former Maricopa County sheriff, convicted of criminal contempt for defying a federal court's order to cease and desist rounding up illegal immigrants.
Arpaio is awaiting sentence, likely up to six months.
"The Sheriff's criminal conviction was the culmination of a political witch hunt by the Obama administration to sideline and destroy a formidable opponent," Gibbs said in his statement. "While everyday Americans were concerned with Benghazi, Fast and Furious, abuse of power by the IRS, and much more, Eric Holder made it his personal mission to end Sheriff Arpaio's attempts to uphold the laws that the federal government would not enforce."
Trump has said he's considering the pardon, and Arpaio has said he would accept a pardon but would not ask for one.
"Mr. President, Sheriff Arpaio deserves to live out the rest of his days in peace and confidence that he did his part to uphold the laws of his country," Gibbs wrote in his letter to the president.
Arpaio is 85 years old.
"He should not be facing a jail sentence or any form of punishment. I respectfully encourage you to follow through with your intentions to pardon Sheriff Joe Arpaio and to convey a message of gratitude for his distinguished record of service to this country," Gibbs wrote.
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