CLEVELAND, Ohio - A former Mahoning County sheriff's deputy pleaded guilty Tuesday to concealing information about a crime, federal court records show.

Kip T. Danks entered a guilty plea to one count of misprision of a felony before Judge Donald C. Nugent in U.S. District Court in Cleveland. The plea stems from allegations that Danks, who also previously served with the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, concealed information related to a January 2023 incident involving a convicted felon.

The plea agreement reached with authorities remained sealed from public view as of Thursday afternoon.

Danks was released on a $20,000 bond. His sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 19.

The charge against Danks arose after investigators, during a search related to a drug organization, intercepted a phone call between Danks and Hure Orr, a suspect in the investigation. According to an affidavit, Orr allegedly told Danks about a firearm found during the search. Danks then reportedly advised Orr on how to provide false information to investigators to avoid weapons charges.

Investigators stated Danks, with over two decades of law enforcement experience, knew Orr was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Despite receiving what investigators described as a "full, unsolicited confession" from Orr, Danks allegedly offered advice to hinder law enforcement.

The affidavit also alleged Danks told Orr, "Just don't use the phones," which investigators believe was an attempt to prevent further evidence gathering. Subsequent phone calls allegedly detailed Orr repeating Danks' advice and Danks attempting to gain sensitive information about the investigation.

When interviewed in August 2023, Danks reportedly denied advising Orr to stay off the phone. However, Orr allegedly told investigators he purchased a new phone the day after his conversation with Danks, which investigators believe was a direct result of Danks' advice.

In January, Orr was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison after pleading guilty to one federal count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. He is serving his sentence at a federal prison in Michigan.