Pubdate: Tue, 04 May 2010 Source: Jacksonville Daily News (NC) Copyright: 2010 Jacksonville Daily News Contact: http://www.jdnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/216 FORMER CARTERET SHERIFF PLEADS GUILTY TO MISUSING FUNDS The former sheriff of Carteret County is facing up to five years in prison after pleading guilty this week to misusing drug funds. Former Sheriff Ralph Thomas, 60, of Beaufort, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit an offense against the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney General's Office. Former deputy Christopher Cozart, 35, of Morehead City, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 4, according to the release. Thomas was accused of embezzling a portion of the money that was to be used in covert drug investigations over a period of nine years while sheriff, according to the release, which also states Cozart, a drug detective with the department, provided money to Thomas while knowing part of it would be stolen but without reporting it to authorities. "We count on law enforcement officers to uphold the law and protect the public, not break the law to line their pockets at public expense," Attorney General Roy Cooper said. "Our SBI agents will continue to work closely with federal officials to stop corruption at all levels of government." Thomas faces up to a maximum of five years in prison followed by up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000; Cozart faces up to three years in prison followed by up to one year supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, according to the release The pleas are the first to be made since federal charges were filed against Thomas and four former deputies accused of the misuse of drug funds under Thomas' administration. Thomas chose not to seek re-election in 2006 after serving 20 years as sheriff. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake