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ATLANTA (AP) -- A former Fulton County deputy sheriff pleaded guilty to helping to protect people he believed to be drug dealers in exchange for cash.

Anthony C. Atwater of Atlanta pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 20.

Prosecutors say the 33-year-old Atwater accepted $4,000 to provide armed protection in March. They say the people Atwater thought were drug dealers were undercover FBI special agents.

He pleaded guilty to attempting to aid and abet the possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, and to accepting corrupt payments.

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