By Alyssa Schnugg
Staff writer
alyssa.schnugg@hottytoddy.com
In his preliminary and detention court hearing Tuesday afternoon, an attorney representing William Brewer Jr. announced Brewer has officially resigned as sheriff of Tallahatchie County and was arrested on charges of extortion, bribery and the distribution of drugs.
William Brewer, 58, a resident of Oakland, was charged Friday with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance from June 2003 through June 12, 2018, and extortion and bribery in violation of the Hobbs Act, also from June 12, 2018, through July 26, 2018.
Brewer’s attorney Kevin Horan from Grenada told U.S. Magistrate Judge Roy Percy that Brewer was waiving his right to a preliminary hearing where the charges would be discussed in court and announced Brewer’s resignation as sheriff.
Brewer, who was wearing an orange jail jumpsuit in court Tuesday, has served as sheriff in Tallahatchie County for more than 20 years.
Percy granted Brewer a $25,000 bond and placed him on pretrial supervised probation or what is commonly known as “home detention.” His location will be monitored using GPS and he will have to wear a monitor.
Some of the conditions of Brewer’s release include not possessing a gun, no excessive use of alcohol and he cannot commit a crime or leave north Mississippi. He can only leave his home for for employment, church, meeting with an attorney, court hearings, or other pre-approved reasons by the probation officer.
Percy told Brewer that he is required to seek some kind of employment during the time leading up to his trial.
Brewer and his attorney read over and agreed with the conditions of release.
Percy also ruled that the affidavit, which was sealed prior to Tuesday’s hearing, be released and made part of the public court file.
This is a continuing story. Check back with hottytoddy.com for updates and more information about the alleged facts of the case as presented in the affidavit.
