Lincoln County Sheriff Wiley Calcote resigned Tuesday andpleaded guilty to one charge of embezzlement following a 15-countindictment issued against him last month.

After pleading guilty to one count of embezzlement by a publicofficial, Calcote was placed on two years probation and ordered topay $895 in restitution by special Circuit Judge Robert L. Goza Jr.The restitution was related to Calcote appropriating 321 gallons ofdiesel, which the county received following Hurricane Katrina lastyear, for his personal truck and tractor.

As part of a plea agreement, Calcote was required to resign assheriff. He was in his first term.

In exchange for the plea, counts two through 15 of theindictment were not pursued, said District Attorney Dee Bates. Theother charges included 12 felonies and two misdemeanors.

“I believe this plea is by far what is in the best interest ofLincoln County,” said Bates, indicating benefits of a quickresolution in the case.

An order of conviction was not entered in Calcote’s case. Underthe law, Calcote’s record can be cleared if he meets therequirements of the plea and follows the terms of probation duringthe two-year period.

Calcote left the Lincoln County-Brookhaven Government Complexwithout speaking to reporters.

Following Calcote’s resignation, Lincoln County supervisorsnamed Investigator Steve Rushing as sheriff. Rushing is expected toserve the remainder of the current unexpired term through 2007.

See additional details in Wednesday’s DAILY LEADER.