Former Sheriff in South Georgia Goes to Federal Prison

A federal judge in Waycross has sentenced former Jeff Davis County Sheriff James Boatright to a year in prison after Boatright pleaded guilty to bank and wire fraud.

Boatright admitted to using funds from a D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistence Education) account to buy a wide-screen television for his personal use. He also admitted to taking a pickup truck seized in a 2003 drug bust and using it for his personal use, including as collateral for a $16,000 loan.

Boatright, 54, served as Sheriff of Jeff Davis County, in South Georgia, for 16 years. He was unopposed for re-election last year, but stepped down after the charges were announced and before the election took place.

Chief U.S. District Judge William T. Moore, Jr. also sentenced Boatright to 3 years probation, a $5,000 fine, a $9,148 restitution, 150 hours community service and a $200 special assessment. His prison will be assigned by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.