A former Mississippi sheriff lied to FBI investigators when he denied trading favorable treatment of an inmate for nude photos and videos, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Tuesday.

Terry Grassaree, 61, the former sheriff of Noxubee County, Miss., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court Tuesday to making false statements to the FBI.

Beginning in 2019, Grassaree used his position as sheriff to solicit and accept nude photos and videos from a female inmate in the Noxubee County Jail, which Grassaree oversaw in his position as sheriff.

In exchange for the nude photos/videos, the inmate received special benefits other inmates did not, including use of a contraband cell phone, tobacco and other items. She was also given trustee status and a job as a cook in the jail.

In early March 2019, Grassaree used a social media account to ask for a video from the inmate, according to investigators. Later that same day, Grassaree received multiple nude images from the inmate and “responded in a flirtatious and complimentary manner.”

When interviewed by the FBI in July 2020, Grassaree denied receiving the photos. He was indicted in October 2022 and, having pleaded guilty, is now scheduled to be sentenced in August. Grassaree faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

One of Grassaree’s former deputies, Vance Phillips, has also pleaded guilty to bribery as part of the investigation. He also faces up to five years in prison.