Hamilton county Sheriff Billy Long is behind bars tonight, charged with bribery and extortion.
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The sheriff was arrested this morning after an apparent FBI sting operation. Hamilton County Sheriff Billy Long faced a judge in federal court Saturday afternoon. U.S. Attorney Gary Humble requested he remain in custody because he's a danger to the community. Sheriff Long faces a total 50 years in federal prison and $500,000 in fines if convicted.
Sheriff Billy Long took office less than two years ago and promised to uphold the law, now he's accused of breaking it.
Special Agent Richard Lambert, U.S. Dept. of Justice, says, "This is a sad day for all of us working for law enforcement in East Tennessee."
Saturday afternoon US Attorney Rick Lambert spelled out the case against Sheriff Long. Long was arrested this morning after an investigation that began in April 2007. Agents say Sheriff Long attempted to shakedown convenience store owners, one of which is located on Rossville Blvd. He is accused of extortion and bribery.
Lambert says, "Sheriff Long accepted 12 payments totaling $17,400 representing what he was told were payments from ethnic Indian store owners to protect their video poker business and other illegal activities."
Another investigation began in December 2007 and ended just last month on January 24th. Investigators say Long got involved with what he thought was a money laundering and drug trafficking operation. Investigators says he accepted payments totaling $6500 dollars. Agents say tackling public corruption is their number one priority.
Agent Lambert adds, "When any law enforcement officer puts his desire for money above the sworn duty to protect and to serve, we all suffer."
Sheriff Long is also accused of supplying a firearm to a felon, who turned out to be a cooperating witness. Agents say he also provided a sheriff's badge to the man as part of an effort to extort money.
The FBI says the investigation is still on going on and there could be more arrests and more charges against Sheriff Long.
He will appear here in federal court on Monday.
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