A former Kentucky constable that was convicted of violating people’s rights by illegally searching or detaining them and taking money or other property without going through the legal process has been sentenced to 11 years and eight months in prison.

Michael “Wally” Wallace, 47, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Robert E. Wier and will have to serve 85 percent of the sentence under federal rules, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported.

Wallace, a former Pulaski County constable, was convicted in June of conspiring to violate civil rights and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. FBI agents found 5.9 grams of meth at Wallace’s house when they arrested him. Federal authorities said the drugs were kept to plant on people to make bogus arrests.

Kentucky constables are elected and have full police powers. Some do little police work, but Wallace was prolific, with dozens of drug cases pending when he was arrested.

“This whole case ultimately comes down to the rule of law in America,” Wier said. “You can’t pursue criminals by becoming a criminal.”

Wallace maintained his innocence and said he plans to appeal.