Report: Maricopa Sheriff Misused Compliance Funds

An expert budget report ordered by a federal judge found the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office misapplied most of $226 million in court-compliance funds tied to a 2013 racial-profiling verdict, spending on items beyond the court’s orders. Released Oct. 8, 2025, the report says 72% of spending was wrongly attributed or improperly prorated, citing purchases such as surplus body-camera licenses, renovations, 42 vehicles and a golf cart; the county has spent $323 million to date with costs projected to reach $352 million by July 2026, and Sheriff Jerry Sheridan’s office says it is reviewing the findings.