WAYCROSS, Ga. - Federal prosecutors say an ex-Pierce County deputy sheriff has pleaded guilty to his role in a methamphetamine trafficking operation.

U.S. Attorney's officials say 55-year-old Randy Strickland pleaded guilty last week and faces up to 20 years in prison.

Authorities say Strickland acted as the lookout for people he thought were trafficking meth. Officials say Strickland provided security for drug dealers while he was armed and wearing his sheriff's department uniform.

Officials say they received information about Strickland's criminal activities and he became the target of an undercover sting operation.

Authorities say Strickland asked drug dealers to pay him $100 for his help. Prosecutors say Strickland was arrested after picking up one of his payments - which was left in a discarded potato chip bag on the side of the road.