Former Christian County Sheriff Sentenced to Federal Prison

A former southwest Missouri sheriff has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for embezzling public funds and participating in a money laundering scheme involving a political supporter.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Kansas City says 54-year-old Joseph Edward Kyle of Ozark pleaded guilty last May and was sentenced Thursday.

Prosecutors say Kyle embezzled roughly $50,000 from Christian County, where he was elected sheriff in 2008 and re-elected four years later.

He admitted submitting 22 fraudulent invoices and purchase orders for goods and services that were never provided.

Kyle also admitted promoting an investment scheme and creating a law enforcement training company to hide the money he was receiving for his participation.

Kyle resigned his office as sheriff as part of the plea deal with prosecutors.