Long waives hearings on federal charges

Former Hamilton County Sheriff Billy Long this afternoon waived his right to a preliminary hearing and a detention hearing on federal charges including extortion and money laundering he faces.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Bill Carter said he would rule that probable cause exists for Mr. Long’s arrest, which allows the case to be presented to a federal grand jury.

Mr. Long, whom prosecutors argue is a “danger to the community,” will remain in custody without bond. An arraignment date was set in the case for March 5, and the case would go to the grand jury before then.

His attorney, Jerry Summers, said he and his client “wish to reserve the right to hold a detention hearing at a later date.”

Such a hearing would involve a determination on bond for Mr. Long.

Mr. Long resigned as sheriff earlier this week after his arrest. He has been in custody since last Saturday, when he was charged with extortion, money laundering and giving a gun to someone he knew was a convicted felon.

On Monday, prosecutors filed an additional criminal complaint against Mr. Long charging him with possessing five or more kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride with intent to distribute.

For complete details, see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press.