Former Rutherford County Sheriff Robert Arnold is expected to be sentenced to prison for public corruption while in court.
"Sheriff Arnold violated his duty to the people. He was to serve the people of Rutherford County," said TBI Director Mark Gwyn.
Arnold pleaded guilty to wire fraud and extortion, trying to get rich from the sale of E-Cigs to inmates. He'll be sentenced in federal court in Nashville Thursday.
"The U.S. Attorney's Office makes a recommendation," said NewsChannel5's legal analyst Nick Leonardo.
For months, those close to the case thought Arnold might face a maximum of 36 months in prison, but sources told NewsChannel5 that prosecutors may ask for double that time or six years.
"I do think it sends a message," said Leonardo, who added that it's a sign of how serious the U.S. Attorney takes public corruption.
A special judge was brought in from Illinois to replace Kevin Sharp, who resigned from the bench last month, will decide Arnold's fate.
That judge will also likely order Arnold to repay nearly $67,000 in profits to the county from the sale of JailCigs, though it's doubtful he still has the money.
"Could have been spent on lawyers. Could have been spent on eating out," said Leonardo "The money is gone. It's been spent, but that doesn't lessen the fact he still owes restitution."
One way or another, Arnold will have to make good. Authorities could seize his assets to recover the money, or he could be ordered reimburse the county over time following his release from prison.
Whatever the case, it appears Arnold will be paying for his crimes for quite sometime.
