Former Sheriff To Serve 30 Days In Jail

CANYON, Texas (AP) — A former West Texas sheriff accused of making improper advances to a female county worker must serve 30 days in jail for misdemeanor official oppression.  

Ex-Swisher County Sheriff Emmett Benavidez (ben-uh-VEE'-dez) of Tulia (TOOL'-yuh) pleaded guilty Monday in Canyon. The 65-year-old former lawman will be allowed to serve the Randall County jail term on weekends, starting Friday, as part of the plea agreement.

Prosecutors say Benavidez in 2011 sexually harassed a former Swisher County worker while he was on official business in neighboring Randall County. He resigned amid the investigation.

Benavidez was also sentenced to a year of probation, fined $500 dollars and must do 30 hours of community service. He's also required to attend a course on making rational decisions.