By Associated Press - Wednesday, January 4, 2017

PHOENIX (AP) - Sheriff Paul Penzone was sworn in Wednesday as metro Phoenix’s new top law enforcer.

The retired police sergeant defeated six-term Sheriff Joe Arpaio in November.

He officially took office Sunday and was previously sworn in at a private ceremony.

He participated in a ceremony Wednesday in which other elected officials took the oath.

Penzone was sworn in by Judge Mary Murguia of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Murguia, while serving as a district judge, presided over a racial profiling lawsuit against Arpaio from late 2007 until mid-2009.

She recused herself after Arpaio questioned her impartiality because her sister was the leader of an advocacy group for Latinos.

Another judge later found sheriff’s deputies had profiled Latinos.

The defeat is believed to have contributed to Arpaio’s political demise.

Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.

Click to Read More and View Comments

Click to Hide