In this Dec. 16, 2006 photograph provided by the Charleston Sun-Sentinel, Tallahatchie County Sheriff William Brewer is seen in Charleston, Miss. Brewer was arrested Friday, Aug. 10, 2018, by the FBI and charged with conspiracy to distribute illegal drugs, extortion and bribery. (The Charleston Sun-Sentinel via AP)

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Federal authorities say a Mississippi sheriff gave protection for years to a drug dealer who robbed other dealers and kicked back stolen money and drug profits to the lawman.

The illegal partnership began about 15 years ago when Tallahatchie County Sheriff William Brewer — who resigned Tuesday — began helping a then-teenage drug dealer, federal officials allege in a sworn statement .

They said the unnamed dealer robbed other dealers of drugs and money, giving stolen money and proceeds from drug sales to the sheriff of the rural Mississippi Delta county, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) south of Memphis, Tennessee.

The scheme began to collapse June 12, when the FBI says it persuaded the dealer to become a confidential informant. The FBI arrested the 58-year-old Brewer on Friday, charging him with conspiracy to sell drugs and extortion.

Defense lawyer Kevin Horan declined to comment Tuesday on Brewer's guilt or innocence. "That's what they claim; that's all I can say," Horan told The Associated Press when asked about the allegations.

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