UPDATE 11/28/11 @ 3:05 p.m.
ATHENS, Ohio (WSAZ) -- Former Athens County Sheriff's Deputy Jerry Hallowell has avoided a trial, and has pleaded guilty to several of charges against him.

Hallowell, who resigned in May, was indicted in April on four counts of sexual battery, one count of bribery, one count of attempt to commit sexual battery, one count of theft in office and one count of unauthorized use of Ohio’s Law Enforcement Gateway.

Hallowell was arrested last September in Athens after accusations that he had sexual relations with a female informant.

He was the former head of the Athens County Drug Task Force.

Monday in Athens County Common Pleas Court, Hallowell pleaded guilty to one count of soliciting or receiving improper compensation (misdemeanor) and three counts unauthorized use of Ohio’s Law Enforcement Gateway (felony).

Also, as part of a plea deal, Hallowell's Ohio peace officers certificate will be permanently revoked.

Sentencing is set for January 25. He could face up three and a half years in prison and $8500 in fines.

His trial was supposed to begin Monday.

The trial has been rescheduled for September 26.

The prosecutor in the case, State Assistant Attorney General Aaron Haslam, says the change was made Thursday during a status conference.

He says the defense attorney had a scheduling conflict.

Hallowell, who resigned in May, was indicted in April on four counts of sexual battery, one count of bribery, one count of attempt to commit sexual battery, one count of theft in office and one count of unauthorized use of Ohio’s Law Enforcement Gateway.

Hallowell was arrested last September in Athens after accusations that he had sexual relations with a female informant.

He was the former head of the Athens County Drug Task Force.

Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the latest information.

According to Sheriff Pat Kelly, Jerry Hallowell put in his resignation on Friday.

He was indicted in April on four counts of sexual battery, one count of bribery, one count of attempt to commit sexual battery, one count of theft in office and one count of unauthorized use of Ohio’s Law Enforcement Gateway.

Hallowell was arrested last September in Athens after accusations that he had sexual relations with a female informant.

The Athens County Grand Jury returned the indictment against Jerry Hallowell on Monday. The indictment includes four counts of sexual battery, one count of bribery, one count of attempt to commit sexual battery, one count of theft in office and one count of unauthorized use of Ohio’s Law Enforcement Gateway.

Hallowell, who was the head of the Athens County Drug Task Force, is accused of having engaged in sexual conduct with an undercover female informant.

The alleged incidents took place between April and September of 2010, according to the indictment.

Sheriff Pat Kelly tells WSAZ.com that Kelly has been suspended with pay since last August when the investigation began. Kelly says he is unable to comment on the investigation. He says Hallowell has been the Sheriff’s Department for about 15 years.

Hallowell waived his preliminary and it was bound over to the grand jury.

Hallowell was arrested earlier this month for allegedly engaging sexual conduct on three occasions and attempting to engage in sexual conduct with a female informant.

Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the latest information as this case develops.

Prosecutor Dave Warren says state agents arrested Deputy Jerry Hallowell at a motel Thursday night.

Hallowell is accused of having engaged in sexual conduct on three occasions and attempting to engage in sexual conduct on a fourth occasion, with an undercover female informant who is currently facing criminal charges.

Hallowell is charged with three counts of sexual battery and attempted
sexual battery.

Hallowell made his initial court appearance Friday morning before Judge William Grim.

A $50,000.00 unsecured appearance bond was set.

Hallowell later posted bond and was released on his own recognizance.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 20 at 2:00 p.m. in the Athens County Municipal Court.

Hallowell has been suspended with pay pending further action either by Sheriff Patrick Kelly or an Athens County Grand Jury.

A special prosecutor out of Fairfield County, Ohio is handling the case.