State seeks juror questionnaires in case against sheriff

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Mike Blakely
This booking photograph released by the Limestone Sheriff's Office shows Sheriff Mike Blakely following his arrest on theft and ethics charges on Aug. 22, 2019. (Limestone County Sheriff's Office via AP)

Prosecutors want to ask potential jurors about an Alabama sheriff awaiting trial on multiple ethics and theft charges.

The Athens News Courier reports that prosecutors have asked a judge for permission to distribute a questionnaire to potential jurors who could hear the case against Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely.

The state is asking to focus on specific issues in Blakely’s case. Prosecutors also want to ask about Blakely’s status as sheriff, an office he has held for almost 37 years.

Blakely’s trial is scheduled to begin March 9.

Blakely was arrested in August on charges that include accusations of taking thousands of dollars from campaign and law enforcement accounts. He is free on bond and remains in office.

Blakely has pleaded not guilty.

Republished with the Permission of the Associated Press.