FBI: Knox deputies were providing protection for illegal gambling ring

photo Sam Hardy, one of three former Knox County Sheriff's officers who resigned in the wake of an FBI probe of drug dealing and gambling. The other former officers are Jimmy Douglas and Robbie Flood.

KNOXVILLE - Federal authorities on Wednesday unsealed a plea agreement with a Knox County Sheriff's Office deputy who confessed he and at least five other local law enforcement officers were providing protection for an illegal gambling ring.

The plea agreement, unsealed in U.S. District Court, charges Deputy Robbie Flood with a violation of the federal Hobbs Act. Flood was arraigned and pleaded guilty Wednesday morning.

The plea agreement states in October 2009 Flood was recruited by KCSO Deputy Samuel Hardy Jr. to provide protection and to escort money for a "high stakes poker game in Knoxville."

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