Ex-Ohio sheriff admits taking bribes

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio 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.

Crish pleaded guilty in federal court today to extortion and bribery charges. He faces up to 15 years in prison.

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 after an FBI raid.

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