WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump gave a presidential pardon to Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio on Friday evening.

The 85-year-old former Maricopa County sheriff was convicted of criminal contempt after violating a judge’s order in an immigration case. It was a misdemeanor charge carrying a six-month jail sentence.

The White House press office praised Arpaio's years of public service, saying "he is a worthy candidate for a Presidential pardon." ... [color="Navy"]More

BELOW: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, left, is joined by Maricopa County, Ariz., Sheriff Joe Arpaio during a new conference at the Roundhouse Gymnasium in Marshalltown, Iowa, Jan. 26, 2016. Arpaio has been convicted of a criminal charge Monday, July 31, 2017, for disobeying a court order to stop traffic patrols that targeted immigrants in a conviction that marks a final rebuke for the former sheriff and politician who once drew strong popularity from such crackdowns but was booted from office amid voter frustrations over his deepening legal troubles.