The Associated Press
ROANOKE, Va. (AP) — A county sheriff and 12 of his uniformed employees have been indicted in a federal racketeering case that claims drugs seized by the sheriff’s department were sold for distribution, court records unsealed Thursday show.
The 34-count indictment also charges a postal worker, a probation officer and five citizens.
The indictment alleges that, starting in 1998, drugs seized by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office have been sold to citizens for distribution.
Sheriff Frank Cassell was charged with impeding the investigation by the FBI and federal drug enforcement agents. Others indicted face charges including racketeering conspiracy, firearms charges, narcotics distribution, obstruction of justice and perjury.