Carthage — Longview attorney David Moore, who will defend Panola County Sheriff Ron Clinton against public corruption charges, said his client is shocked by the allegations and will plead not guilty.

“Everything will come out during the trial, through the evidence,” Moore said. “At this time, we feel confident that he will be exonerated.”

Clinton was arrested late Thursday in a public corruption investigation involving alleged theft, abuse of power and fraud. Clinton posted $50,000 in bonds and was released from the Panola County Jail that night.

“He’s accused of a felony after having been elected to the highest law enforcement office in his county. He’s stunned,” Moore said. “His family is gathered around him. He has a lot of support.”

Read more at www.news-journal.com