Ex-Sheriff Metts taking 2nd shot at bribery plea deal

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Former Lexington County Sheriff James Metts is hoping a second attempt at a plea deal marks an end to his federal bribery conspiracy case.

Metts, his attorneys and prosecutors signed an agreement a week ago. His trial had been scheduled for January.

Metts is charged with taking bribes from a restaurant owner in exchange for preventing the deportation of some of his employees who were in the country illegally.

A federal judge rejected an initial deal that would have let Metts plead guilty to one of 10 counts in exchange for a sentence recommendation of three years of probation.

The new deal is for the same charge but makes no sentence recommendation. The charge carries a possible 10-year prison sentence, but the recommended range is 10 to 16 months.