Poker News: At least two county sheriffs in western North Carolina accepted cash bribes to protect an illegal gambling business, an accused ringleader told an undercover investigator, according to court papers. Play online poker

James Otis Henderson, 42, is one of several defendants charged by federal prosecutors with operating an illegal gambling business and bribery of a law enforcement official, among other charges. Read poker blogs

Rutherford County Sheriff Jack Conner was working with federal authorities in December 2006 when he agreed to take $10,000 from Henderson, according to court papers filed Tuesday. Henderson had asked Conner to provide protection for houses where he located his video poker machines, and agreed to pay Conner an additional $1,000 per month. Play route 66 poker

Henderson told Conner during a videotaped conversation that other sheriffs in nearby counties were also taking bribes, according to a judge's order to detain Henderson pending trial. He said one sheriff wanted $100 per machine per month for protection, while another sought monthly installments. Play $500 match poker bonus

"The acts of the defendant show involvement in a widespread criminal conspiracy which has the potential to corrupt the criminal justice system in the Western District of North Carolina and this state," wrote U.S. Magistrate Judge Dennis Howell in his order. Play full tilt poker

Poker News Source: wral