COLUMBIA, SC March 21 2013
The State Grand Jury has handed up several indictments against Chesterfield County Sheriff Sanford "Sam" Parker, Jr. on charges that he used inmates for personal work.
The six indictments cover four counts of misconduct in office and two counts of furnishing contraband to inmates.
Authorities say Parker allowed hand-picked inmates to live in a dorm, have televisions and an iPad, go on trips to the lake and spend holidays with his family.
Investigators allege the sheriff let the inmates drive sheriff's office vehicles, have unsupervised visits with women and drink alcohol. In exchange, the men did work on Parker's home and helped him and his wife decorate for parties.
Authorities also say Parker gave weapons to friends with no law enforcement training.
The case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General's Office.
If convicted, Parker could face up to 10 years in prison for each count of misconduct and 10 years or a fine for each contraband count.
Source:WIS