Former Sheriff James Metts sentenced to 1 year, 1 day in prison

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COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)–UPDATE: Judgement day for former Lexington County Sheriff James Metts. A Federal judge sentenced Metts to one year, one day in prison. Metts also faces a $10,000 fine and 2 years supervised release after serving prison time. “The first thing I want to say is I’m highly disappointed in the judge’s decision but I’m not questioning his decision,” said James Metts leaving the courthouse. “He is the judge and I’m sure he did what he thought was right under the circumstances.” A disappointed James Metts exited the Matthew Perry Federal Courthouse Monday morning after learning he will spend 1 year and 1 day in prison after pleading guilty last year for conspiring to harbor illegal immigrants. “We certainly hope the results of today’s proceedings help the citizens of Lexington County restore their faith that law enforcement is being operated in a manner of integrity,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Richardson. Inside the courthouse, defense attorneys and prosecutors supported a probational sentence, citing his age, medical issues, and a lifetime of charitable work. However, Judge Terry Wooten told the court, Metts violated public trust and his conduct did not promote respect for the law. “We certainly think the court has it’s discretion to provide the sentence and we’re pleased with the result,” said Richardson. “We think what was important here for the government was to ensure that people, like Mr. Metts, that commit these crimes are punished for them.” Once the longest serving sheriff in South Carolina, the 68-year old told the judge he didn’t have an explanation for his actions but that he got caught up in helping others and made a mistake. “I’m going to serve my time, put it behind me and move on with my life in a very positive way once I get this sentence out of the way,” said Metts. Metts is also required to pay a $10,000 fine and will face 2 years of supervised release after serving his prison term. The judge told Metts he could remain out on bond until his report date. That date has not been set. Metts pleaded guilty last year to Federal Bribery charges. He admitted to protecting illegal immigrants from deportation in exchange for money.