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Sentencing hearings for former Sheriff Mike Blakely set for August 20, same day as sentencing of former HPD officer William Darby

Former Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely will be sentenced just hours before former HPD officer William Darby.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The sentencing hearing for former Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely has been set for August 20 at 9 a.m. The same day, former Huntsville Police officer William Darby will be sentenced in Madison County.

Blakely was found guilty of two felony charges and removed from office on August 2. A Limestone County jury convicted Blakely on counts 2 and 13, first-degree theft of property and use of official position for personal gain, respectively. He was found not guilty on eight other charges.

RELATED: Jury: Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely guilty on two charges, not guilty on remaining 8

After his conviction, one juror filed an affidavit claiming a medical condition had falsely led her to find Blakely guilty on these two charges and that the jury was not in fact unanimous. Following this affidavit, Blakely's defense filed a motion calling for a mistrial to be declared. Presiding Judge Pamela Baschab denied the motion for a mistrial.

RELATED: UPDATE: Motion to overturn Blakely verdicts and declare mistrial denied

Darby was convicted on May 7 for the murder of Jeffrey Parker. Darby shot and killed Parker, who was suicidal, during a mental health call in 2018.

Following Darby's conviction, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said in a statement that he disagreed with the verdict. Huntsville Police Chief also disagreed with the verdict, stating "While we thank the jury for their service in this difficult case, I do not believe Officer Darby is a murderer."

Madison County District Attorney Rob Broussard said, "We're very pleased with the jury verdict. We believed in this case. I'm not saying this is a pleasant day for us in the office, but it's a day that justice dictated."

RELATED: Huntsville police officer William Darby found guilty of murder

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