Former Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely was released from jail after serving over a year on two convictions.
Blakely, who served as sheriff for 38 years, was sentenced to three years in prison and two years probation in 2021 for first-degree theft and using his public office for personal gain.
Prosecutors said he borrowed cash from a jail fund and deposited $4,000 of campaign funds into his account.
After an appeal was denied, he turned himself into the Franklin County Jail, where he served his sentence until he was granted parole earlier this year.
He could do a work release sentence but was caught on camera in a grocery store in November 2023. He was placed on lockdown for a week.
Blakely was released Monday at 8 a.m.
After being convicted, Blakely said the legal battle was the fight of his life. He released a book about his story, co-written by Jacquelyn Procter Reeves. The book is about Blakely's 38 years in law enforcement and the challenges he said he faced as sheriff.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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