Jeff Curry

OTTAWA, Kan. (AP) _ An eastern Kansas sheriff is free on $3,000 bond and remains in office after being charged with interfering with law enforcement and official misconduct.

Franklin County Sheriff Jeff Curry made his first court appearance Wednesday and was tentatively scheduled for an ouster hearing next week, though that could be delayed until after Curry's April 1 preliminary hearing.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports Curry is accused of using confidential information gained through his office for his or another person's gain, or to cause harm to another. The interference charge is a felony.

Deputy Jerrod Fredericks, the department's public information officer, also is charged with interfering with law enforcement and is scheduled for an April 1 preliminary hearing.

Curry's attorney did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
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Information from: Lawrence (Kan.) Journal-World, http://www.ljworld.com