Former Franklin County deputy enters plea

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A former sheriff’s deputy has pleaded guilty to theft from a program that receives government benefits.

The State Journal (http://bit.ly/10uKMav) reports former Franklin County Sheriff’s deputy Matt Brown entered into a plea deal with federal prosecutors in U.S. District Court on Tuesday. As part of the agreement, federal charges of wire fraud, distributing steroids and making false statements will be dismissed. In addition, Brown will pay nearly $18,000 in restitution.

The charges against Brown came after Sheriff Pat Melton requested an audit of drug money in 2012 because of some financial discrepancies. Melton says Brown resigned about the time the audit began.

Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove set sentencing for March 16. Brown faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

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Information from: The State Journal, http://www.state-journal.com

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