Zachary Wester, the former North Florida deputy convicted in May on drug-planting charges was sentenced Tuesday. Facing a maximum sentence of 85-plus years, the sentence handed down was for 12 years, six months and eight days in state prison. A jury found the former Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputy guilty in May on charges of racketeering, fabricating evidence, false imprisonment, perjury and possession of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.  The judge denied the defense's motion to allow Wester to be released from custody pending appeal.

Zachary Wester, the former North Florida deputy&nbsp;convicted in May on drug-planting charges was sentenced Tuesday. Facing a maximum sentence of 85-plus years, the sentence handed down was for 12 years, six months and eight days in state prison. A jury found the former Jackson County Sheriff&rsquo;s Office deputy guilty in May on charges of racketeering, fabricating evidence, false imprisonment, perjury and possession of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; The judge&nbsp;denied the defense's motion to allow Wester to be released from custody pending appeal.

News briefs from the state of Florida.

Florida News Briefs - Florida Podcast

News Briefs from the state of Florida.

Florida News Briefs - Florida

Florida- Ex-deputy Zachary Wester sentenced to more than 12 years for drug planting, other charges