An Eastern Panhandle sheriff accused of beating a robbery suspect says the only thing he’s guilty of is protecting himself and citizens.  Jefferson County Sheriff Robert Shirley says he’s looking forward to his day in court. He says every story has two sides.

The Journal reports that Shirley made the comments Thursday during the sheriff’s department’s monthly public meeting. The 60-year-old sheriff was indicted earlier this month on federal charges of violating the civil rights of Mark Daniel Haines in December 2010. He’s also charged with falsifying records during an investigation of the incident.

Shirley says an indictment is only an accusation. He says a hamsandwich can be indicted.

His trial is set for Aug. 7. He also faces a related civil

lawsuit.