IL - Sheriff -- yes, a sheriff -- accused of selling marijuana

Sheriff -- yes, a sheriff -- accused of selling marijuana

Associated Press
Originally published 08:28 a.m., May 19, 2009
Updated 08:28 a.m., May 19, 2009

SHAWNEETOWN, Ill. -- Federal prosecutors are accusing the longtime sheriff of a county in southeastern Illinois of selling marijuana -- often while on duty.

Gallatin County Sheriff Raymond Martin was arrested Monday and appeared in court on three counts of distributing marijuana and two counts of carrying a firearm while trafficking drugs.

Martin has been sheriff of Gallatin County since 1990.

The complaint accuses the 46-year-old sheriff of distributing more than 1,100 grams -- more than two pounds -- of marijuana between April 27 and May 11.

A woman who answered Martin's home phone today said the sheriff had no comment.

A judge appointed a federal public defender for Martin. A detention hearing is set for Wednesday.

man i wish he was the cop in my town man!