MARIETTA, Okla. (AP) - The sheriff of Love County has submitted his resignation to avoid going through a trial seeking his ouster. 
 
Sheriff Joe Russell submitted his resignation, effective Oct. 31, last week. He had faced a trial seeking his removal after the state's multicounty grand jury recommended he be removed from office for corruption and other alleged violations. He's pleaded not guilty to charges of maintaining a drug house and harboring a fugitive.
 
He had been suspended with pay since Aug. 1.
 
According to The Oklahoman (http://bit.ly/2dOXzS5) Russell was not seeking re-election and only had a few months left of his term.