NC sheriff steps down before rape trial begins

COLUMBUS, N.C. -- A North Carolina sheriff is stepping down as his trial on rape charges is set to begin.

Polk County Sheriff Chris Abril has announced that his tenure as sheriff is ending on Sunday.

Abril said in a letter released this week that the controversy surrounding his upcoming trial had taken away too much time from his job and family.

Abril was charged in 2006 with five counts of first-degree statutory rape and one count of first-degree sexual offense. The charges stem from incidents that allegedly occurred 20 years ago involving a 10-year-old girl and a 12-year-old girl.

Abril has denied the allegations. His trial is expected to begin Monday in Waynesville.

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