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N.D. (AP) – A judge says a former North Dakota sheriff who is facing charges for dealing drugs and bribery should be allowed to travel out of state.

Southeast District Court Judge Daniel Narum made the ruling at a bond hearing for Johnny Zip Lawson on Wednesday. Lawson is charged with conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, bribery, false reports to law enforcement or other security officials, public servant refusing to perform duty and ingesting a controlled substance.

Wells County State’s Attorney Kathleen Murray opposed the motion, saying Lawson was a danger to others, namely witnesses and informants.

Narum ruled that Lawson can travel to South Dakota and Montana with the stipulation that any travel to Montana must be work-related.