BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — A one-time west Alabama sheriff is due in court to find out whether he must go to federal prison for fraud.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled Monday in Birmingham for former Pickens County sheriff David Abston.
The Tuscaloosa News reports Abston could receive 20 years in prison. But prosecutors have said they’ll accept less because Abston accepted responsibility and agreed to pay about $51,000 in restitution.
Abston was sheriff for more than 30 years. He pleaded guilty in July to wire fraud and filing a false tax return.
Prosecutors say Abston scammed a food bank and his church to pocket leftover money meant for feeding county prisoners.
Abston took the money under a law that let sheriffs profit from jail kitchens. State legislators changed the law this year.
