PHOENIX -- Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is denying responsibility for the arrest of a Chandler police officer whose K-9 partner died after being left in a hot vehicle.

In court paperwork filed late last week, the sheriff placed full responsibility for the arrest on his Deputy Chief David Trombi, saying "He alone made the determination to arrest Lovejoy without any input or discussion by Sheriff Arpaio."

Last September, in a press release from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Arpaio said he would not deviate from policy concerning animal abuse/neglect cases and ordered his deputies to book into jail the Chandler police sergeant who left his police dog in his patrol vehicle for 12 hours.

"Bandit" died on Aug. 11 from heat prostration while confined to the back of the patrol vehicle.

Sgt. Thomas Lovejoy, Bandit's handler and trainer, was booked into jail.

"This was a difficult decision," said Arpaio. "I am certain Sgt. Lovejoy has suffered greatly from leaving his police dog in a sweltering car. I do not relish the idea of compounding his sadness. However, Lovejoy must be treated like anyone else in similar circumstances. I have a strict policy on animal abuse and neglect whereby offenders are booked into jail."

"Our investigation determined that Bandit's death was not an intentional act on Lovejoy's part," Arpaio said, "but it was reckless and for that, Lovejoy must be charged."

At the September news conference Arpaio said if Lovejoy got a break then everyone else would demand a 'get out of jail free' card as well.

During an interview with Lovejoy's attorney, Trombi took full responsibility for Lovejoy's arrest, saying he didn't need an order from the sheriff to follow his policies.

The sheriff has been ordered by a judge to face an interview with Lovejoy's defense attorney next week, who wants to show the MCSO normally doesn't treat such cases as crimes.