Former sheriff sentenced for poker bribery

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford was sentenced Monday to 15 years behind bars for his conviction on charges that he took bribes from video poker operators.

Medford, the sheriff for 12 years, declined to address the court before he was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Tim Ellis for his role in a gambling and bribery scheme that the court said netted Medford more than $300,000.

"You abused that power in order to enrich yourself," Ellis said. "Public corruption is a cancer on our society. The essence of these violations is a betrayal of public trust."

A federal jury found Medford, 63, guilty in May of charges that included extorting bribes from illegal video gambling operators and money laundering.

Medford's attorney, Stephen Lindsay, cited the former sheriff's age and poor health, along with his service to the community, in arguing for a reduced sentence.

"I think it is clear he had done a number of good and beneficial things in this community," Lindsay said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Edwards said Medford deserved a longer sentence.

"The defendant occupied a position of extraordinary power," Edwards said. "This defendant abused that for his own enrichment and that of his cronies."

Lt. John Harrison and Lt. Ronnie Eugene Davis also were scheduled for sentencing, along with volunteer Capt. Guy Penland.

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