A former northwestern Indiana sheriff is set to be sentenced by a federal judge for accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribes from towing businesses.

John Buncich was removed from office as Lake County sheriff after a jury convicted him in August of bribery and wire fraud charges. His sentencing hearing is being held Tuesday before a judge in Hammond.

Federal prosecutors are seeking a sentence of at least 15 years in prison, arguing that Buncich committed "a calculated abuse of power" to enrich himself.

Buncich has denied any wrongdoing and his attorney maintains he was doing legitimate campaign fundraising.

Buncich is a Democrat who was elected in 2015 to his fourth term as sheriff of Indiana's second most-populous county.