Jailed sheriff in court on new charges

MURPHYSBORO -- A southern Illinois sheriff already facing federal drug charges must find his own attorney to represent him on charges that he, his wife and son tried to hire someone to commit murder.

A Jackson County judge on Tuesday declined Gallatin (GAL'-uht'n) County Sheriff Raymond Martin's request for a public defender. He said Martin's $80,000-a-year household income should be able to pay for representation on the murder-for-hire charges.

Martin was arrested Saturday while jailed in Jackson County, awaiting a federal drug trial. His 30-year-old wife and 20-year-old son were arrested when they came to visit him.

The wife already has an attorney, who waved off reporters' questions. Martin's son was granted a public defender.

Authorities aren't publicly discussing the case.

Martin has pleaded not guilty to the drug charges.