Alabama Parole Board Divided Over Release of Former Limestone County Sheriff
Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely’s Parole Hearing
ATHENS, Ala. – Mike Blakely, once the longest-serving sheriff in Alabama, will remain behind bars for now, as the state parole board denied his release before a packed audience. The parole board hearing was filled with dozens of Blakely supporters, with all 30 seats on the ‘supporters’ side of the room occupied, forcing some to overflow into the ‘opposition’ seating area. The attorney general’s office also spoke, opposing the release of the longtime Democrat from north Alabama. In the end, the state parole board split, voting 1-1, leading to a new hearing scheduled for next month.
Blakely’s Conviction and Support
Blakely, a Democrat, served as the elected sheriff of Limestone County in north Alabama for nearly four decades until he was convicted of two felony charges of theft and abuse of power on Aug. 2, 2021. Despite his conviction, his supporters, including former Athens District Attorney John Plunk, emphasized his 38 years of service and dedication to solving every murder case in his jurisdiction. Plunk stated that while they were not arguing innocence, they wanted to demonstrate Blakely’s remorse during his time in jail.
Former Lauderdale County District Judge Deborah Bell Paseur and Maggie Settle, a former employee of the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office, also spoke in support of Blakely, highlighting his commitment to public safety and the overwhelming letters of support submitted to the parole board on his behalf.
Charges Against Blakely
Blakely was removed from office immediately after a Limestone County jury found him guilty of stealing from his campaign account and abusing his power to obtain interest-free loans from a safe containing cash belonging to county jail inmates. The jury convicted Blakely of stealing $4,000 from his campaign account and obtaining $29,050 in interest-free loans from the inmate fund. He was acquitted of eight other charges related to theft and abuse of power.
The prosecution was led by the office of Alabama Attorney General, Steve Marshall, who argued against Blakely’s release, stating that he had shown little remorse and only apologized to suit his own needs. The attorney general’s office emphasized that Blakely’s actions as an elected official and law enforcement officer had harmed society and diminished public trust in law enforcement.
Parole Board Split
During the parole board hearing, member Gabrelle Simmons was absent, while the other two members, Darryl Littleton and Leigh Gwathney, were not disclosed to have voted. Gwathney’s previous voting pattern, highlighted by an ACLU analysis, indicated that whenever the attorney general’s office opposed parole, Gwathney voted against release. The tiebreaker needed for Blakely’s parole was not achieved, leading to a new hearing scheduled for April 11.
Conclusion
The parole board’s split decision reflects the divide in opinions regarding the release of former Sheriff Mike Blakely. While supporters emphasize his years of service and remorse during his incarceration, the prosecution argues that his actions have damaged public trust. The upcoming hearing in April will determine the next steps in the case. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.