Former Sheriff Pleads Guilty

Former Okaloosa County Sheriff Charlie Morris admits he's guilty of stealing thousands of dollars by using his employees to defraud the federal government.

Morris pleaded not guilty in April to the six count indictment accusing him of bribery, theft, wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy, but Tuesday he appeared in federal court to change his plea.

"I apologize to you and to the court," the former sheriff told the judge after prosecutors outlined how he stole the money.

Morris admitted to giving his employees fake bonuses with the understanding that the employees would give some of the money back to Morris to be given to a charity. No charity ever received the money. Instead, prosecutors say Morris and Teresa Adams, the sheriff's former Director of Finance, pocketed the cash.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall Hensel told the court Morris stole at least $114,000 between May 2007 and February 2009.

When the former sheriff was arrested in February in Las Vegas, Hensel says investigators found $5,000 in his pockets and another $30,000 in a hotel safe.

Morris' sentencing is scheduled for July 28th. He faces up to 85 years in prison.