The Phoenix metro sheriff's office earmarked millions for compliance costs in a racial profiling case during an immigration crackdown, but used most of the money for other purposes, according to a new report.
The Associated Press detailed that compliance money was used for things like surplus body-worn camera licenses that went beyond court orders; office renovations; dozens of new vehicles; and even a golf cart to take staff from headquarters to the internal affairs operation.
The case in question took place in 2013 and was a result of then-sheriff Joe Arpaio's traffic patrols, which targeted immigrants between 2008 and 2011. It led to an overhaul of traffic patrol operations and the internal affairs unit.
Maricopa County authorities say $323 million has been spent on addressing the verdict, with the total expected to clock in at $352 million by July next year.
However, a report noted that 72% of $226 million in spending analyzed was wrongly attributed or "improperly prorated" to the compliance fund. They were either unrelated or unnecessary, lacked justification or were directly a misrepresentation of their purpose, analysts said.
Current Sheriff, Jerry Sheridan, acknowledged discrepancies in the report. He is the fourth sheriff to have to abide by the ruling.
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