Two people that are involved in a federal video poker investigation are offered pleas. A political supporter of former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford has reached a plea deal as part of the federal investigation into video poler and public corruption.

A former lieutenant in the department has pleaded guilty to his chargers in federal court on Friday. Court Papers say that Jack W. Shepherd who is a political supporter of the former lawman also pleaded guilty to running an illegal gambling business.

Former Lt. Ronne Eugene Davis plead guilty to all 11 charges against him. The Asheville Citizen Times reported that most of the two dozen other suspects involved in the investigation had also reached deals with prosecutors that gave them less charges. Davis plead guilty on his own without an agreement form the government.

Medford and former reserve captain Guy Kenneth Penland are awaiting trial on March 25th on charges of taking bribes and protection money for the illegal gambling operators.







- 2008-03-08