LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala — A Limestone County Jury on Monday, August 2, found Sheriff Mike Blakely guilty on two ethics charges and not guilty on the remaining eight charges.
Blakely was found guilty on counts two and thirteen, first-degree theft of property and use of official position for personal gain, respectively,. Both counts are classified as a felony.
Since he was found guilty of two felonies, Blakely will be removed from office.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall released the following statement regarding Blakely's conviction:
“Public officials must set the highest example of accountability, and no matter how long someone holds office they are not above the law,” said Attorney General Marshall. “Sheriff Blakely repeatedly swore an oath to enforce and obey the law during his 40 years in office, and he now knows the consequences of violating that oath.
According to the Attorney General's Office, Blakely faces up to 20 years in prison for the theft conviction and up to an additional 20 years in prison for the ethics conviction.
This is a breaking story and will be updated by the WZDX News team as more information becomes available.