SOMERSET, Ky. (AP) -- A judge has dismissed sex abuse charges against a former deputy sheriff in south-central Kentucky.

The former deputy, 44-year-old Russell Burton, was indicted in October on 10 counts of sex abuse and one count of sodomy involving a girl under 12.

The Commonwealth Journal of Somerset reports that Pulaski County Circuit Judge Jeffrey Burdette dismissed the charges Tuesday after the girl said the charges were fabricated.

Burton had retired from the sheriff's department and was working as a part-time bailiff at the Pulaski County Courthouse when the charges were brought.