Former N.C. Sheriff Accepts Plea Deal on Corruption Charges

Glenn Maynor, former sheriff of Robeson County, N.C., pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges resulting from a federal corruption investigation. More than a dozen of his deputies have also admitted guilt in the the case.

Maynor and his deputies were the target of a federal investigation labeled Operation Tarnished Badge. The investigation was conducted at the request of District Attorney Johnson Britt. It has resulted in 22 convictions on federal charges.

Maynor left office in 2004, citing health problems, but the investigation continued. Prosecutors say that among other crimes he stole more than $10,000 in federal funds that were intended for law enforcement programs.

The former sheriff now faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count of misapplying federal funds and lying to a federal grand jury. A sentencing date had not been set at presstime.

Seventeen former Robeson County deputy sheriffs have also pleaded guilty to charges ranging from kidnapping and conspiracy to distribute cocaine to stealing satellite TV signals. They have not been sentenced.