LANCASTER, Ohio — Fairfield County Sheriff Gary DeMastry turned down a proposal to send him to prison for three years in return for a plea of guilty to charges of misspending $330,000 in public money.

        Sheriff DeMastry pleaded not guilty Friday to 20 new charges related to an investigation that accuses him of misspending public money. He also faces 323 public corruption charges that he pleaded not guilty to in February.

        He faces a Feb. 16 trial and could be sentenced up to 15 years in prison.

        Sheriff DeMastry, 45, whose term ends Dec. 31, declined to comment on the report published in the Columbus Dispatch on Saturday that he turned down a plea bargain.

        “I've served the community for 20 years,” he told the newspaper Friday. “I am very happy for that. I have a week left, and I plan to be in the office. I wish everyone a happy holiday season and a safe one.”

Nothing less than a miracle
She'll depend on teamwork
Q&A: Norma Holt Davis
A piece of history returns to City Hall
Heart arrives in time for baby's first birthday
PULFER: Christmas story
Woman devoted to aiding homeless
Charter director says it still has a role
New dentures bring a smile
A look at the world of work
Accidental shot kills officer
Accused sheriff turns down plea bargain
Departing Democrats look back
Entrepreneur Crosley reigned over Reds
Etch A Sketch's departure shakes small Ohio town
Gift program sees growth in donations
Ky. population: 4 million plus?
Man, 42, pleads guilty to sister's murder
Office, shopping complex planned
Pipe organ business seeks modern niche
School grants degree to deceased student
Scooter taken for wrong ride
Sex predator hearings ordered
State will study Warren traffic
Students exposed to creches from afar
Tristate A.M. Report