GIBSON Co Tenn – Monday, ex-employees of the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office returned to Gibson County Circuit Court. Former Gibson County chief deputy Jeff Maitland pleaded guilty to multiple charges.

The plea was part of a deal that will keep Maitland from going to jail but places him on probation for six years. He must also pay restitution.

Maitland pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to obtain a controlled substance by fraud, four counts of obtaining controlled substances by fraud and three counts of official misconduct.

Several other defendants who were employed by the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office indicted on charges of theft and misconduct also appeared in court Monday.

Ben Lee and Charles Simpson entered “best interest” pleas. They will also avoid jail time.

The plea agreements are similar to one between the state and former Gibson County Sheriff Chuck Arnold. Arnold was placed on supervised probation for 10 years. He originally faced 113 counts including fraud and official misconduct.

Former employees, Joel Hughey, Renae Terrell, and Eddie Bradford entered plea agreements in September.

The indictments stem from a TBI investigation. Gibson County Sheriff Paul Thomas asked for the TBI investigation that revealed discrepancies in employee pay, drugs not being administered to inmates as intended, and a mishandled drug fund.

Three defendants’ are scheduled for trial. Robert Pinkerton Nov. 14, Teresa Sturdivant Dec. 5, Shaun Phinnessee Dec. 7.

All the charges against Darla Crenshaw and Melissa Hunt were dismissed.