Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A Tennessee sheriff is facing public corruption charges after being named in a 14-count indictment that accuses him and others of benefiting from a scheme to sell electronic cigarettes to inmates in the jail he oversees.
Acting U.S. Attorney Jack Smith announced Friday that Rutherford County Sheriff Robert Arnold had been charged, along with county administrative deputy Joe Russell and Arnold’s uncle, John Vanderveer, of Marietta, Georgia.
The indictment alleges Arnold used his official position to promote the sale of electronic cigarettes in the jail in exchange for bribes and kickbacks from Russell and Vanderveer.
A spokewoman for the sheriff’s office did not immediately respond to a call seeking comment from Arnold or Russell. It’s not clear if Vanderveer is being represented by an attorney.
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