CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, S.C. — Former Chesterfield County sheriff Sam Parker, who was on trial for corruption, was found guilty Thursday night on all eight counts including embezzlement, misconduct in office and furnishing contraband to inmates.
Parker told the judge just before his sentencing he was sorry for the pain and embarrassment he's caused the community.
The judge said he could tell Parker had a good heart but made mistakes he could have corrected long ago.
Parker lowered his head as a jury found him guilty and minutes later, he told the judge he respected the verdict and became emotional while apologizing for the embarrassment he caused the people of Chesterfield County, his former department and his loved ones.
"Most of all, your honor, I want to apologize. I'm sorry to my family and my friends, for their support," Parker said.
Parker's family, equally emotional but the judge said Parker had time to correct his mistakes and that's what he found most troubling.
"When you serve in public office you have the trust of the general public," the judge said. "They expect you to do your job."
He then sentenced Parker to two years in prison and five if he violates his probation.
Prosecutors said the verdict was fair.
Parker was also very emotional when he acknowledged he would never be able to run for public office again.
He was transported to the Kurkland Correctional Institution in Columbia, S.C.