ATHENS, Ala. (AP) - A long-serving Alabama sheriff is scheduled to go on trial early next year on charges that he stole thousands of dollars from public and campaign funds.
Circuit Judge Pride Tompkins set a March 29 trial date for Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely, The News Courier reported.
First elected in 1982, Blakely has pleaded not guilty to an indictment filed last year. Trials have. been delayed statewide because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Grand jurors indicted Blakely on 12 felony counts and one misdemeanor alleging he stole campaign donations, used his job to obtain interest-free loans and solicited money from employees. Blakely has continued working since Alabama law does not require the suspension of sheriffs who are under indictment.
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