By SUE LINDSEY, Associated Press Writer
ROANOKE, Va.- A former sheriff pleaded not guilty Monday to federal charges that he took part in a scheme to sell drugs seized from criminals with a dozen former and current officers.
H. Franklin Cassell, 68, and three Henry County sheriff’s deputies in the economically distressed county pleaded not guilty. The other defendants will be in court Wednesday.
The indictment returned Oct. 31 said Cassell looked the other way as officers sold drugs seized in criminal investigations, stole guns and other evidence and then resold cocaine, steroids, marijuana and other drugs to the public.
Cassell is charged with impeding a federal investigation and money laundering.
Charges against the other defendants include racketeering conspiracy, drug distribution, weapons counts, obstruction of justice and perjury.
Prosecutors said the scheme began in 1998.
Cassell announced his retirement two weeks ago.