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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- E.J. Melvin pleaded not guilty to 47 new charges on Thursday.

U.S. Assistant Attorney Mark Moore, who’s leading the prosecution against the former Lee County sheriff, told the judge he plans to introduce evidence to show how Melvin “abused his position to unlawfully enrich himself and others.

In addition to the original charge of conspiracy to deal drugs, Melvin was indicted on a racketeering charge that includes:

- 20 counts of extorting kickbacks from drug dealers;

- one count of using more than $5,000 in money set aside for victim assistance for personal use;

- three counts of money laundering;

- three counts of lying to investigators; and

- 18 counts of using a telephone to facilitate drug trafficking.

The prosecution says they could call as many as 42 witnesses to testify against Melvin, who is described by one person as "greedy,” according to Moore.

Jury selection for the trial is set to start on October 21.

Melvin is currently is out on bond and if convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.