Omer Yusuf

USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee

Former Crockett County Sheriff's Office deputy Calvin Fields pleaded guilty to counts of distribution of cocaine and possession of a firearm during drug trafficking in U.S. District Court on Friday.

As part of the plea agreement, Fields waived his right to appeal his sentence, meaning the sentence he is given will not change.

Federal Bureau of Investigation agents became aware of possible public corruption in Crockett County in January, according to the facts presented in the case.

Fields was accused of using his patrol car to provide mobile security for a person identified as a Gangster Disciples member, according to court documents. The person was not identified in court records due to fear of retaliation.

Court documents say Fields provided security and protection for the gang member as they moved narcotics throughout Crockett County, and in exchange received cash payments between $100 and $800.

Fields also drove his patrol car behind the person's vehicle to ensure the drugs were delivered safely, according to court documents.

A meeting between an informant and Fields was arranged at a gas station in Crockett County to see if Fields would assist the person in delivering two ounces of cocaine to a location in Bells in exchange for $400, which was photocopied money, according to court documents.

Fields was wearing his Crockett County Sheriff's Office uniform and had a handgun at the time of the meeting, according to court documents.

He was later arrested and admitted his actions to agents.

Sheriff Troy Klyce announced in late February Fields was fired as a result of a federal investigation.

Fields will serve the sentences consecutively, meaning he will serve one count and then the next.

The sentencing range for the count of distribution of cocaine is no more than 20 years in prison, no more than a $1 million fine or both, and no less than three years of supervised released.

The sentencing range for possession of a firearm during drug trafficking is no less than five years in prison, no more than a $250,000 fine, no less than a year of supervised release, along with a mandatory special assessment of $100.

“In federal court, if you plead guilty you can get those acceptance of responsibility points — and that can reduce your sentence,” said Bruce Griffey, the federal public defender appointed to represent Fields.

The probation office will now conduct a pre-sentence investigation report.

Fields is scheduled to appear back in court July 31 for sentencing.

Reach Omer Yusuf at (731) 425-9637, oyusuf@jacksonsun.com, or on Twitter: @OmerAYusuf