Phoenix Business Journal

Sheriff Joe rolls Acorn under da bus:

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is subpoenaing records from the Acorn community activist group, saying it could be using government funds meant for housing and social services to wage a campaign against his immigration enforcement.

The sheriff's office seeking information regarding the group's involvement with Arpaio critics on Melendres v. Arpaio, a case brought by a Mexican national claiming he was unfairly treated and the victim of racial profiling by deputies.

"I believe the organization used state and federal funds meant to help poor people to conduct a campaign against me and my officers," said Arpaio in a statement. "These records will show, I believe, that Acorn is in bed with the anti-immigration enforcement organizations, which continue to demonstrate in front of my office trying to thwart my officers from enforcing state and federal law."

Acorn has called for Arpaio to resign and opposes his immigration raids. The group could not immediately be reached for comment.

The group has come under fire recently for offering tax advice to people posing as prostitutes and pimps. Acorn also has also been questioned for alleged voter fraud and the U.S. Senate voted earlier this week to cut off federal funding for the group.