Former Southwest Missouri Sheriff Admits to Embezzlement, Fraud

A former southwest Missouri sheriff has pleaded guilty to embezzlement and using his position to help cheat investors.

Under the terms of Wednesday's plea deal, 53-year-old Joey Kyle will serve a year of imprisonment and must forfeit more than $70,000. Kyle resigned as Christian County sheriff shortly before the hearing began. He was elected to the post in 2008.

Kyle's lead attorney, Burton H. Shostak, didn't immediately return a phone or email message from The Associated Press.

The plea agreement said Kyle received about $20,000 to promote a fraudulent investment scheme. Prosecutors said he also submitted fraudulent invoices or purchase orders for about $50,000 in goods and services that were never provided to the county.