The Phoenix New Times is reporting that a judge has ruled against Sheriff Joe Apraio in the latest suit about the treatment of his inmates in the county jails.

Hill represented the “class” of all pretrial detainees awaiting court trials in Arpaio’s jails. The ACLU also worked closely with Hill on the case. Margaret Winter, associate director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s National Prison Project, said the ruling is a big win.

“Sheriff Arpaio’s horrendous treatment of detainees, especially those with severe medical and mental-health problems, has caused terrible suffering for years,” Winter said. “Judge Wake’s decision should serve as a reminder that even a man who brags about being the ‘toughest sheriff in America’ has to abide by the Constitution.”

“Sheriff Arpaio’s actions have gone unchecked for too long, and this ruling is a significant step toward much-needed accountability,” said Daniel Pochoda, attorney with the ACLU of Arizona. “It’s time that the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and all of the residents of Maricopa County take action to end his abusive practices.”

Could it finally be that there is change in the air in Maricopa County? The Sheriff is up for reelection in less than two weeks. While up to this point he has seemed politically insulated based on his popularity with voters, it may be that the tide is shifting. Only time will tell.