Former Chief Deputy for Maricopa County Sheriff Facing Controversy
When it comes to the upcoming Maricopa County Sheriff election, one candidate has found himself in hot water. Former Chief Deputy Jerry Sheridan, the Republican candidate for sheriff, has been at the center of controversy since a federal judge determined in 2016 that he lied under oath.
But that’s not all. Sheridan is also on the Arizona Brady List, which includes peace officers with credibility and truthfulness issues. His actions during the landmark Melendres civil rights lawsuit in 2016 raised serious concerns. Reviews of the case found that Sheridan violated ethics and code of conduct policies related to truthfulness, dereliction of duty, and failure to fulfill expectations of his rank.
Despite these findings, Sheridan was officially placed on the Brady List in 2022, highlighting the ongoing repercussions of his actions.
The Truth Comes to Light
Despite multiple attempts to reach out to Sheridan for an interview, he remained silent on the matter. However, a video obtained through a public records request shed light on Sheridan’s actions during the lawsuit. As Chief Deputy at the time, he was responsible for overseeing MCSO operations during critical events related to the case.
The proceedings exposed dysfunction within MCSO, with Sheridan’s lack of protocol for training leaders on internal investigations coming under scrutiny. Federal Judge Murray Snow found that both Arpaio and Sheridan disobeyed court orders, failed to disclose evidence, and neglected to discipline misconduct within their ranks.
In one instance, Snow remarked to MCSO attorneys, “they lied to my face,” highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
When questioned about his knowledge of the injunction, Sheridan repeatedly downplayed his role and cited a lack of memory. He admitted to intentionally avoiding information about the case at Arpaio’s request, showcasing a concerning pattern of behavior.
Despite his actions, Sheridan was the highest-paid civilian at MCSO, making between $180,000 to $200,000 as Chief Deputy. His dismissive attitude towards the case further underscores the severity of his actions.
Looking Towards the Future
As the fallout from the lawsuit continues, Sheridan remains adamant about seeking the top spot in the office. He believes his 40 years of experience at the sheriff’s office make him the most qualified candidate, despite his tainted reputation.
As the 2024 election approaches, the spotlight remains on Sheridan and his controversial past. Stay tuned with 12News for the latest updates on the election and political developments.
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