Metts Makes a Second Plea

(WOLO) COLUMBIA,S.C., — After serving Lexington County for more than 4 decades – Former Sheriff James Metts is now facing the possibility of life as a felon. Metts stood before Judge Terry Wooten in Federal Court in pursuit of a second and acceptable plea deal. Metts paused awkwardly before pleading guilty to a charge of assisting in harboring people who were in the country illegally. his first request was earlier this month. A plea that would have dropped 9 of the 10 charges against Metts and led to 3 years probation, but no jail time. While that agreement was acceptable to both the prosecution and defense – it was ultimately rejected by the presiding Judge. This time – the plea is very similar to the first – with the exception that this arrangement is void of a sentence recommendation. which means the Judge who has the final say could in fact, impose prison time in the case that carries a penalty of up to 10 years behind bars. although the plea agreement only recommends up to 16 months. in a statement released by U-S Attorney Bill Nettles claims that back in September of 2011, Metts agreed with others in person and over the phone to help harbor illegal aliens. Nettles gives an example of an inmate who was released solely because then Sheriff Metts intervened calling to have the inmate released before they could be processed or identified by the Federal Government who otherwise may have deported them. Nettles continued commenting on the pending case of the 68 year old former face of law enforcement, saying in part quote: ” prior to June – he was Sheriff James Metts, the 42 year veteran of Lexington County. when we finish, he will leave the courthouse Jimmy Metts the felon and the citizens of Lexington County can move forward.”