LEE COUNTY (AP) -- A man who said he owed his success as a drug dealer to a former South Carolina sheriff has signed an agreement to plead guilty.
Larry Williams' agreement to plead guilty to a federal drug conspiracy charge was filed Wednesday.
In May, Williams was one of a dozen people arrested and charged as part of the conspiracy. Court documents show Williams said in a wiretapped conversation he wouldn't have been able to deal drugs without the help of E.J. Melvin, who then was sheriff of Lee County.
Three other people have pleaded guilty for conspiracy. Prosecutors have said they expect to reach plea agreements with all defendants except Melvin.
Melvin is expected in court next month for a hearing over whether prosecutors will also charge him with racketeering.
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