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HILLSBORO (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — Accusations of officer licensing irregularities have led to the indictment of a North Texas sheriff and his two deputies.

Sheriff Michael Cox of Hill County was indicted Friday on charges stemming from allegations of officer-licensing irregularities. Former chief deputy Mark Wilson and former sheriff's captain Leroy Rodriguez are also charged with record-tampering, and other counts.

A judge suspended Cox after allegations arose that he abused his office by directing an employee to complete his homework for a college criminal justice class.

Cox, Wilson, and Rodriguez are accused of misusing a state computer network to submit falsified licensing and certification examinations.

If convicted, each man will face two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000 on each count.

Cox's attorney, Pete Schulte, has called the charges "laughable."

Trial dates have not been set.

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