Stockton ? A former northwest Kansas sheriff has pleaded guilty to four felony counts of distributing methamphetamine.

Randy Axelson was the sheriff of Rooks County when he was arrested in December 2011 following an investigation by Kansas authorities. He was accused of distributing meth over a period of four months at the Rooks County Fairgrounds and within 1,000 feet of Stockton High School.

The Hays Daily News reports that prosecutors dropped five counts in exchange for Axelson’s guilty pleas Friday to four counts in Rooks County District Court. The plea agreement includes a recommendation that Axelson serve five years and four months in prison.

Ellis County Attorney Tom Drees served as a special prosecutor in the case.

Axelson had been free on bond and resigned as sheriff in June.