Updated 11/13/19

Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely loudly voiced his innocence Tuesday when asked by Judge Pride Tompkins how he pleaded to the state's 13-count indictment against him.

Tuesday's arraignment at the Limestone County Courthouse was the first step in the legal process for Blakely, who was indicted in August. Tompkins set Blakely's trial for Monday, March 9, 2020, at the Limestone County Courthouse.

The only other decision made by Tompkins Tuesday was setting Feb. 9 as the deadline for any pretrial motions to be filed by either side.

Of the 13 counts against Blakely, 12 are felonies, while one is a misdemeanor. The first four counts charge him with four separate thefts from his campaign account totaling $11,000. Counts 5–10 charge him with theft or ethics charges stemming from him taking money from Limestone County funds, including from the pistol permit fund.

Counts 12 and 13 charge the sheriff with using his official position or office to acquire interest-free loans. Specifically, Count 12 charges Blakely with using his official position or office to obtain interest-free loans in the form of currency, and/or a $50,000 cashier’s check, and/or a $22,189.68 credit.

Count 13 charges Blakely with using his official position or office to obtain interest-free loans by taking money from a safe that was used to store the personal funds of inmates at the Limestone County Jail.