HAYWOOD COUNTY, NC — This week, the federal corruption trial of former Buncombe County sheriff Bobby Medford took testimony from an operator's employee. The staff member said the sheriff charged operators $100 per machine, every month, to allow payoff video pokers to operate without interference from law enforcement.

Medford is charged with taking tens of thousands of dollars in bribes to permit payoff poker operations. Federal prosecutors said a single operation in the western part of the state raked in $14 million and paid more than $114,000 in bribes over a seven-year period.

So far, 24 defendants in the case have recorded guilty pleas, but Medford maintains his innocence and blames all corruption on deputies. Three former deputies have testified or will testify against him. Other sheriffs, including the current officer, have also been implicated.

For more of the story, visit: Vending Times