Authorities say Chesterfield County Sheriff Sam 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.
/ FILE
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Authorities say Chesterfield County Sheriff Sam 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.
The indictment details special treatment Parker gave two inmates. One was serving seven years for drug trafficking, the other was sentenced to 15 years for arson.
Investigators say Parker 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 decorate for parties.
Authorities also say Parker gave weapons to friends with no law enforcement training.
Defense lawyer Johnny Gasser says Parker got tripped up with confusing regulations and did not intend to break any laws. He says Parker will fight the charges.
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