Trial scheduled for accused pot-dealing sheriff

BENTON -- A southern Illinois sheriff accused of trafficking marijuana on the job before plotting to have two potential witnesses killed is scheduled to go on trial.

Raymond Martin's proceedings were expected to get under way Monday in federal court in Benton.

Federal agents arrested Martin last year on charges he trafficked marijuana while serving as sheriff of Illinois' Gallatin County.

While jailed on those drug counts, authorities allege, Martin masterminded a scheme between September and December of last year to have witnesses assaulted -- and possibly killed. None of those witnesses were harmed.

Martin has pleaded not guilty and remains jailed on $1 million bond.

His wife and son have pleaded not guilty to state charges linked to the alleged murder-for-hire scheme.