(NewsNation) — Two elected sheriffs were among 14 Mississippi law enforcement officers indicted for allegedly assisting drug trafficking across the state’s Northwestern Delta region, federal authorities announced Thursday.

In cases unveiled by Acting U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner, the indicted officers are accused of taking bribes of up to tens of thousands of dollars to allow the transportation of what they thought were illegal drugs. Joyner said the FBI launched the yearslong investigation, which he described as a sting, after suspects complained about having to pay kickbacks.

“We’re talking about 14 current or former law enforcement officers … who are alleged to have sold out the public,” FBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey said at a news conference. “This corruption permeated all levels

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