A Kentucky Sheriff was on the other side of the law today. Nicholas County Sheriff Dick Garrett pleaded 'not guilty' in court to charges of theft and abuse of public trust. A grand jury indicted him in October. He appeared in court for the first time this afternoon.

Dressed in uniform, Nicholas County Sheriff Dick Garrett appeared before a specially appointed judge. The sheriff is charged with theft by unlawful taking (more than $300 dollars) and abuse of public trust, which according to the indictment deals with money received by the Nicholas County Sheriff's Department that was allegedly misused.

"Obtained $95,000 in federal asset forfeiture funds and spent an excess of $10,000 for personal use. Those are the allegations. I have to keep stressing that. Nothing but mere allegations", says Raymond Bogucki, Sheriff Garrett's Attorney.

While the sheriff is not speaking on camera about the incident, referring questions to his lawyer, he has previously said he believes charges deal with his handling of cash confiscated during a drug investigation. His attorney says they know few details in this case so far and are waiting on information from the prosecution.

"With 30 days I'll be able to put some of the meat on the bones of these charges and I'll be able to investigate them myself," says Raymond Bogucki.

As for Sheriff Dick Garrett, he was just re-elected and will remain on the job. His attorney, who says they are good friends, says while this case waits to go to trial, he believes that is the best solution.

"He's the best Sheriff who can serve this county," says Raymond Bogucki.

Meanwhile, the judge told the Sheriff that he must remain in the Commonwealth, attend his court appearances, and must have no new offenses.

Sheriff Garrett's trial is set for April and is expected to last at least a week.