ETOWAH COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT)– Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin is defending himself after accusations that he’s pocketing money intended for inmates’ food.

Reports that Entrekin pocketed $750,000 recently surfaced as national news. The sheriff’s personal spending came under scrutiny after media reports surfaced that with that money he purchased a beach home and had other property that totaled in the millions.

Many people are questioning his big ticket price property purchases, but according to Entrekin, by law, him keeping the excess money is legal and he cannot return any of it to the county.

“I want to be sheriff. I don’t want to have to wear a chefs hat. I didn’t ask for this job. Anyone that gets out here and works every day…if you make a profit, its yours,” Entrekin said.

Entrekin did admit that a portion of the leftovers does go to charity and the other portion, which averages out to close to $600 a day, goes into his pocket.