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Right. But the judge also has to do something with the ongoing case that's sitting on her docket. The chronological order of events here is important:

1. Arpaio is convicted of contempt of court by the judge.

2. While he is awaiting sentencing, his legal team files a motion -- complete with all kinds of legal arguments -- to vacate the conviction.

3. The U.S. Justice Department -- which prosecuted the Federal case in this judge's courtroom -- has apparently not filed any response to the motion to vacate the conviction.

4. President Trump issues a formal pardon to Arpaio.

Arpaio is a free man and will never have to answer for anything related to the case against him, but the judge still has this case on the docket and has to go through a formal process to end it. In effect, she's telling the U.S. Justice Department (remember, they prosecuted the original case) that it has to do something to close out the case ... even if it means filing paperwork saying that they will not respond to Arpaio's motion because the case is moot.

President Trump actually threw a monkeywrench into the whole process with the timing of his pardon. LOL.

Right. But the judge also has to do something with the ongoing case that's sitting on her docket. The chronological order of events here is important:
1. Arpaio is convicted of contempt of court by the judge.
2. While he is awaiting sentencing, his legal team files a motion -- complete with all kinds of legal arguments -- to vacate the conviction.
3. The U.S. Justice Department -- which prosecuted the Federal case in this judge's courtroom -- has apparently not filed any response to the motion to vacate the conviction.
4. President Trump issues a formal pardon to Arpaio.
Arpaio is a free man and will never have to answer for anything related to the case against him, but the judge still has this case on the docket and has to go through a formal process to end it. In effect, she's telling the U.S. Justice Department (remember, they prosecuted the original case) that it has to do something to close out the case ... even if it means filing paperwork saying that they will not respond to Arpaio's motion because the case is moot.

President Trump actually threw a monkeywrench into the whole process with the timing of his pardon. LOL.

I thought your post had a very illuminating timeline. However, the Phoenix local TV news put a different spin on this last night. They said that Arpaio WANTED to go forward with the court system since accepting the pardon at this time would imply an admission of guilt on his part. The TV news says that Sheriff Joe intends to win on appeal!