CORRECTION: A previous version of this story did not correctly identify Ralph Thomas as the former sheriff of Carteret County. News 14 Carolina regrets the error.

Ralph Thomas

RALEIGH – Federal authorities have charged former Carteret County Sheriff Ralph Thomas and others within the department with stealing more than $5,000 between 1997 and 2006 that was under control of the Carteret County Sheriff's Office.

Documents signed by U.S. Attorney George E.B. Holding say Thomas and others misappropriated money meant for drug investigations. Further documents say charges against Christopher Cozart, a deputy at the time, are directly related to the case.

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