Found this today on WLEX's website. Feel free to comment below.
Williamsburg Attorney Pleads Guilty To Extortion Conspiracy With Local Sheriff
Ronnie Wayne Reynolds, a criminal defense attorney in Williamsburg, Ky., admitted to conspiring with a former Whitley County sheriff to extort money from his clients according to a plea agreement filed with the federal court in Lexington Wednesday.At the hearing, Ronnie Wayne Reynolds, 54, pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right.Reynolds admitted that on at least three occasions between 2004 and 2007, he and the former sheriff conspired to extort money from individuals charged with felony drug offenses in state court in exchange for favorable considerations in their cases.
Specifically, Reynolds admitted to making cash payments to the former sheriff in excess of $57,000 so that the sheriff would refer individuals charged with crimes to Reynolds for representation. Each of these individuals expected and understood that they would face reduced charges and/or they wouldn't face any period of incarceration if they hired Reynolds based on the sheriff's recommendation.In addition, Reynolds, acting on behalf of the sheriff, also encouraged these same clients to make forfeiture payments and/or cash donations to the Whitley County Sheriff's Office (Whitley SO) in exchange for a favorable resolution to their cases.In each instance, the felony drug charges were reduced to misdemeanors with the sheriff's consent and approval.The sheriff's office received over $55,000 from this scheme. Reynolds will have to forfeit $199,000 representing the proceeds of the conspiracy.
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