Status hearing held for Limestone County sheriff

Status hearing held for Limestone County sheriff

New at four -- in the last 90 minutes -- a virtual status hearing for limestone county sheriff mike blakely concluded.

He's facing nearly a dozen theft and ethics charges.

Today -- the judge made a decision on evidence that can be used in the trial.

Waay 31's alex torres-perez joins us live from the limestone county courthouse with what was discussed and what's next in the trial.

One of the big issues discussed here today involved sheriff blakely's efforts to keep evidence related to gambling and drinking out the trial.

His defense argues prosecutors want to assasinate the sheriff's character by taking legal actions and quote "making it sinister."

They say the sheriff's habits and hobbies are not relevant to the case.

However-- prosecutors disagreed and said the evidence was necessary to prove blakely's guilt.

They added they had no intent for character assasination and that the evidence that would be used involves specific charges and actions.

The judge ruled to deny the defense's motion -- meaning that evidence will be allowed in the trial.

Jury summons for the case will be issued may 10th.

The juror questionare will be sent 2 weeks after.

Between those dates - the judge is expected to meet with lawyers to discuss the logistics of the case.

The trial is set to begin july 12th.

The judge along with all lawyers involved expect a normal trial without any social distancing by this summer.

Reporting live in limestone co.

Atp waay 31 news.