Metts name may soon be gone from sheriff’s office

LEXINGTON, S.C. (AP) — The Lexington County Council plans to discuss removing the name of indicted former Sheriff James Metts from the county’s law enforcement building.

Some council members want to vote on the change as soon as January. Council Chairman Johnny Jeffcoat told local media that Metts’ willingness to plead guilty in a deal with prosecutors is enough evidence of wrongdoing, even if a federal judge refused to accept the deal Wednesday.

The sheriff’s office and jail in Lexington County was named for Metts in 2008. Signs were paid for through $40,000 in private donations.

Metts served Lexington County for 42 years before his indictment this summer. Prosecutors say he hindered the possible deportation of workers at a friend’s restaurant.

A judge rejected a deal that would have kept Metts out of prison.