Former sheriff Metts pleads guilty in bribery case

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ South Carolina’s longest-serving sheriff has pleaded guilty to charges as part of a federal bribery conspiracy case.
 
   James Metts entered the plea Tuesday in Columbia.
 
   Metts was Lexington County’s sheriff for 42 years before his June indictment on 10 charges. Federal prosecutors say 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.
 
   Metts previously 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 because it recommended no jail time.
 
   Tuesday’s plea was accepted. Metts will be sentenced later. Guidelines recommend he serve between five and 16 months in prison.