COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Defense attorneys and prosecutors agree that James Metts, who was South Carolina’s longest-serving sheriff until he pleaded guilty to corruption, should serve no time in prison.

Attorneys for the 68-year-old Metts said in papers filed Wednesday that he had helped protect countless individuals and served his community for more than four decades as Lexington County sheriff.

He has remained free on bond until his sentencing, which is scheduled Monday.

Metts pleaded guilty in December. Federal prosecutors said he took bribes from a restaurant owner in exchange for releasing some of his employees who had been detained for being in the country illegally.

Initially, Metts reached a deal with prosecutors to plead guilty to conspiracy to harbor certain aliens and be sentenced to three years’ probation. A judge rejected that deal.