Ex-sheriff sentenced to about 6 years in prison
PENSACOLA (AP) – The former head of the Florida Sheriffs’
Association apologized to his Panhandle county and former employees for heading a money laundering and corruption scheme before a judge sentenced him to nearly six years in federal prison Tuesday.
“I have made abominable decisions and I accept full responsibility for the consequences that will be imposed,” Charlie Morris said.
But U.S. District Judge Lacey Collier told Morris he opted for one of the longest sentences allowed under the federal sentencing guidelines because the former Okaloosa County Sheriff had abused his office and betrayed the public’s trust.
“The public trusted you to display integrity and to uphold the law and in each instance you failed,” said Collier, who also ordered Morris to pay more than $212,000 in forfeitures and other restitution to the county.
Collier said Morris’ behavior was particularly egregious because he had headed the sheriff’s association and also served on the state board that disciplines law enforcement officers who commit crimes.
“You have tarnished the badge of every law enforcement officer in this area,” the judge said.
Collier imposed a 71-month sentence, one month short of six years. The sentence was near the maximum for the fraud, money laundering and conspiracy charges to which Morris pleaded guilty.
The judge ordered Morris to report to custody of U.S. Marshals Office on Sept. 28 to begin serving his sentence.
Morris’ former office manager, Teresa Adams, is scheduled for sentencing in the scheme on Aug. 25.
The pair also face state charges of racketeering in the employee bonus kickback scheme.
State prosecutors have charged four other former employees who were not part of the federal indictment. The state officials allege the department was run more as criminal enterprise than a law enforcement agency.