I would prefer to look the other way than capitalize on another’s tragic misfortune, but this is the big story today.
It remains difficult to believe somebody in such a high station could have so many vulnerabilities. Today, a federal grand jury found former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford guilty on eleven charges pertaining to taking bribes from illegal gambling operators. According to witnesses, one of Medford’s aides drove around with a trunk load of extorted money that was dispensed to the former sheriff on-demand. Medford may have collected up to $553,300, and he allegedly spent 162 paid workdays one year gambling in Cherokee. Twenty-four persons have pled guilty to charges of involvement in the gambling ring, and at least two other Western North Carolina sheriffs are believed to have connections.
Again, when a sheriff is brought to trial by members of the opposing political party, caught in sting operations performed by fellow officers, one can never be sure what’s trumped up, what’s retribution, what’s smoke and mirrors to build up a case, etc.
