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Former Ohio Sheriff Pleads Guilty To Bribery, Extortion

Former Allen County Sheriff Sam Crish

The former Allen County Sheriff, who resigned amid an FBI investigation, has pleaded guilty to taking bribes from people arrested in prostitution and gambling stings.

Authorities say former Allen County sheriff Sam Crish also took $50,000 from someone who was later hired to work at the county jail in Lima.

Crish pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to extortion and bribery. He faces up to 15 years in prison. A message seeking comment was left with his attorney.

Authorities say Crish extorted almost $100,000 from five people between 2012 and 2016. Investigators say he helped others avoid charges in return for the money.

Crish resigned as sheriff in 2017 following an FBI raid.

The Lima News reports Crish once sought treatment for compulsive gambling and that he has faced lawsuits over gambling debts.