Associated Press - November 11, 2009 5:34 AM ET

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A Tangipahoa Parish sheriff's deputy has pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base.

According to court documents, 44-year-old Kevin Whittington, of Springfield, appeared Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance and admitted that while assigned to the parish jail he met with a man working as a confidential informant for Drug Enforcement Administration special agents.

While under surveillance, Whittington accepted a cell phone, a quantity of crack cocaine and $700 in cash and agreed to supply the contraband to an inmate at the jail.

Whittington faces up to 40 years in prison and a $2 million fine. Sentencing is set for Feb. 10.

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