HUNTSVILLE, Ala — A trial date for Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely has been set for July 12 at the Limestone County courthouse, according to court documents.
The case will be heard by Circuit Judge Pamela W Baschab. Blakely was indicted on 12 felonies and one misdemeanor in August 2019.
Blakely's case was originally set to begin in March 2020, but has been delayed due to multiple continuances and recusals in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In November, the State filed a motion to have the trial date set, stating "Limestone County residents continue to live and work in a community in which their sheriff stands accused of multiple felonies. These people deserve a resolution on whether Defendant Blakely is guilty or innocent of the charges he faces."
Previously, Judge Pride Tompkins recused himself from the case on Feb. 10, 2021, citing the COVID-19 pandemic and his high-risk status .
Judge Tomkins's position as judge on the case is unusual. He was a Colbert County Circuit judge who came out of retirement to oversee the trial as sitting Limestone County judges recused themselves. Blakely was indicted on ethics charges in August of 2019, some of which have been dismissed.
READ: Judge Pride Tompkins recusal
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