Former sheriff Metts makes second attempt at plea

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina’s longest-serving sheriff is facing a hearing with the hope that a second attempt at a deal brings an end to his federal bribery conspiracy case.

James Metts was sheriff of Lexington County for 42 years before his indictment in June on 10 charges. Federal prosecutors said Metts took bribes from a restaurant owner in exchange for releasing some of his employees who had been detained for being in the country illegally.

Before his indictment, Metts reached a deal with prosecutors to plead guilty to one count, conspiracy to harbor certain aliens. Prosecutors deemed the agreement fair, but a federal judge earlier this month refused to accept the deal.

Metts and prosecutors have signed a second agreement. A hearing on that deal was scheduled for Tuesday.