Arpaio testifies in contempt of court case

Sheriff Joe Arpaio took the stand Wednesday in a contempt of court hearing against the Sheriff and MCSO.

The hearing centers on whether the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office knowingly violated a court order issued by U.S. District Court Judge Murray Snow. That order barred MCSO from continuing to enforce federal immigration law.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of Ortega Melendres against MCSO, alleging that the agency was engaging in racial profiling and unlawful traffic stops of Latinos.

Sheriff Arpaio admitted that MCSO violated the judge's order, but insisted that it was unintentional.

As part of the case, Snow has appointed a monitor to oversee MCSO's operations and required changes to how the agency handles traffic stops and record keeping.