FORMER CARTERET SHERIFF PLEADS GUILTY TO MISUSING FUNDS

The former sheriff of Carteret County is facing up to five years in
prison after pleading guilty this week to misusing drug funds.

Former Sheriff Ralph Thomas, 60, of Beaufort, pleaded guilty to
conspiring to commit an offense against the United States, in
violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, according to
a press release from the U.S. Attorney General's Office.

Former deputy Christopher Cozart, 35, of Morehead City, pleaded
guilty to misprision of a felony, in violation of Title 18, United
States Code, Section 4, according to the release.

Thomas was accused of embezzling a portion of the money that was to
be used in covert drug investigations over a period of nine years
while sheriff, according to the release, which also states Cozart, a
drug detective with the department, provided money to Thomas while
knowing part of it would be stolen but without reporting it to authorities.

"We count on law enforcement officers to uphold the law and protect
the public, not break the law to line their pockets at public
expense," Attorney General Roy Cooper said. "Our SBI agents will
continue to work closely with federal officials to stop corruption at
all levels of government."

Thomas faces up to a maximum of five years in prison followed by up
to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000;
Cozart faces up to three years in prison followed by up to one year
supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, according to the release

The pleas are the first to be made since federal charges were filed
against Thomas and four former deputies accused of the misuse of drug
funds under Thomas' administration. Thomas chose not to seek
re-election in 2006 after serving 20 years as sheriff.