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Associated Press - August 4, 2009 9:24 AM ET
BENTON, Ill. (AP) - A southern Illinois sheriff accused of selling marijuana, often while on duty, is bargaining with federal prosecutors about a possible plea deal.
That's according to Gallatin County Sheriff Raymond Martin's public defender in a court filing that successfully got the trial pushed back to Oct. 5.
Martin has been in custody since May 18. That's when he was arrested by federal agents at his Shawneetown office on charges of marijuana distribution and carrying a firearm - his service weapon - while trafficking drugs.
Martin remains sheriff, drawing his $40,440-a-year salary, although 1 of his deputies has been named interim sheriff. Martin's seat is up for election next year.
Martin has pleaded not guilty.
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