A federal court judge has recommended that Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio face criminal charges stemming from his department's reportedly systematic discrimination against Latinos.

U.S. District Judge Grant Murray Snow levied his assessment earlier this month, adding that he will ask prosecutors to formally file criminal contempt of court charges against the long controversial, 84-year-old lawmen.

During his longtime tenure in Maricopa County, Arpaio has previously been found to have displayed a "persistent disregard" for orders of the court instructing him and his department to cease with the practice of racial profiling.

Orders Ignored

Among the orders Snow has previously laid out and Arpaio has ignored is that officers undergo additional training and commence using body cameras.

Snow has also recommended that Maricopa County second-in-command Gerard Sheridan also face similar charges. The charges could result in fines or jail time. If he is ultimately found to be guilty of a felony, Arpaio could be forced from office.

Arpaio Huge Trump Supporter

A vocal supporter of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, Arpaio has previously admitted to violating orders, including the one instructing him to cease with his illegal immigration crackdowns.

Trump has run his campaign on a platform that includes taking a hardline against immigration, vowing to deport millions of immigrants if he is elected.

Arpaio is also accused of ordering an investigation of Snow in an effort to bring negative attention to the judge. He also once launched an investigation of President Obama, ultimately charging that his birth certificate is a forged document.

Arpaio has also faced heated criticism over such practices as operating an outdoor tent jail in 110 degree heat and for defending Arizona's controversial 2010 immigration law SB 1070, which critics charge supported racial profiling. Many parts of the law were eventually shot down by a Supreme Court ruling.

Meanwhile, Arpaio's years-long legal troubles are estimated to have caused area taxpayers well over $50 million.