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A sheriff in South Carolina is joining the increase of officers in the unemployment line after the FBI busted him for selling drugs out of his police vehicle.

According to published reports, ex-Sheriff E.J. Melvin was arrested on Saturday (May 1) after it was discovered that Melvin planned to arrange a traffic stop on a drug dealer to obtain possession of the drugs to redistribute. According the wiretap, which was recorded in March, Melvin planned to turn some of the cocaine into the department as evidence, but use the rest for himself.

The FBI agent detailed 17 phone calls between Melvin and other alleged drug dealers, detailing drug transactions with Melvin using the moniker “Big Dog.”   In one conversation, the agent said Melvin relayed a threat he planned to make to someone he was trying to extort.

“I ain’t going to let you take me down,” the ex-sheriff said according to the affidavit.

In addition to being charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, police also state that Melvin used law enforcement information to tip off local dealers in his county about pending arrests after he would receive lists from federal and state agents.

The FBI agent also detailed a meeting between Melvin and a State Law Enforcement Division agent in April after the investigation against the sheriff had started. The agent shared a list of possible drug dealers and after he left, Melvin began tipping off his friends on the list and making plans to get money from others in exchange for steering agents away, according to court papers.

Melvin and six others were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of powder cocaine and 50 grams or more of crack cocaine. If convicted, the former sheriff faces a mandatory 10 years in prison and could face up to life behind bars.

SMH, how are you going to be a D.A.R.E officer and you’re peddling drugs? Damn shame, get your life together.