NASHVILLE (AP) - Rutherford County Sheriff Robert Arnold is facing public corruption charges after being named in a 14-count indictment that accuses him and others of benefiting from a scheme to sell electronic cigarettes to inmates in the jail he oversees.

Acting U.S. Attorney Jack Smith announced Friday that the 40-year-old sheriff had been charged, along with Rutherford County Chief Administrative Deputy Joe Russell and Arnold's uncle, John Vanderveer of Marietta, Georgia.

The indictment alleges Arnold used his official position to promote the sale of electronic cigarettes in the jail in exchange for bribes and kickbacks from Russell and Vanderveer.

A spokewoman for the sheriff's office did not immediately respond to a call seeking comment from Arnold or Russell. It's not clear if Vanderveer is being represented by an attorney.