COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A woman has been charged in an investigation of a former South Carolina sheriff now serving federal prison time for running a drug conspiracy.
Court records show Angela Ruth has been charged with lying to authorities two years ago about her participation during their probe of then-Lee County Sheriff E.J. Melvin. Prosecutors also say Ruth stole victim's advocate funds.
Ruth has pleaded not guilty and is to appear in court next week. Her attorney did not immediately respond to a message Wednesday.
Ruth testified against Melvin, who in 2010 was sentenced to 17 years in prison. Prosecutors said he made Lee County a safe haven for his favored drug dealers, repeatedly taking hundreds of dollars in bribes and kickbacks from them.
A federal court turned down Melvin's appeal Tuesday.
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