Virginia sheriff accused of cockfight bribes He pleads not guilty to charges linked to cockfighting ring

A sheriff pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal conspiracy and money-laundering charges stemming from accusations that he took bribes in exchange for promising not to interfere with a cockfighting ring.

A 22-count indictment against Page County Sheriff Daniel Presgraves unsealed Thursday also accuses him of intimidating potential witnesses. The indictment alleges he sexually assaulted and harassed four female employees, harassed seven others and intimidated another.

In releasing Presgraves on $50,000 bond, U.S. Magistrate B. Waugh Crigler barred him from acting as sheriff while the case is pending. If convicted on all charges, he faces up to 304 years behind bars.

"It's a very sad day when we have to stand before you to report that a federal grand jury has found sufficient cause to return an indictment against an elected public official," acting U.S. Attorney Julia Dudley said.

Presgraves also was charged with taking bribes from a local corporation, which officials refused to identify; diverting public money for his own use; and using inmates to work on his private property.

Separately, the grand jury indicted the Virginia Game Fowl Breeders Association and its president, Chester William Fannon, for allegedly making illegal campaign contributions. Like Presgraves, Fannon pleaded not guilty and was released on $50,000 bond.

According to the indictment, Fannon made $11,000 in personal contributions, which were then reimbursed by the association.