Telfair Co. Sheriff charged with corruption

Federal prosecutors have charged a Southeast Georgia sheriff with taking bribes and embezzling fine and bail money. The indictment against Telfair County Sheriff Jim Williamson comes more than a month after the Georgia Bureau of Investigation served search warrants on Williamson's house, office and the county jail. The G-B-I had been investigating Williamson since May.

U.S. Attorney Edmund Booth says Williamson is charged with taking funds intended for Telfair County courts and using them for his personal use. He's also charged with accepting bribes from people arrested in Telfair County in exchange for reducing or dismissing charges against them or granting them special priviledges while in the county jail. He faces federal charges because the alleged corruption involved the U-S mail.

Williams decided not to seek re-election and steps down this month after two-terms as Sheriff.