[bert]

I think there is another reason for not making the pardon. Is the case not still in the courts?

That is, might the matter not be resolved by being dropped or over ruled or some such at a higher level?

[4Zoltan]

Exactly. If Arpaio accepts a pardon it is considered an admission of guilt. He would lose the right to appeal the verdict.

[Captain Peter Blood]

He has been convicted, although I don't think a sentence has been handed down yet. He probably has plenty to reverse on appeal. Consider this, he is 85 years old and it could be dragged out in the courts. Trump can fully pardon Arpaio, and he can be retired with a clean record and miscarriage of justice wiped away. I think Arpaio wants a pardon so he can put all of this behind him.