ATHENS, Ala. (AP) — Lawyers for an Alabama sheriff seeking a delay in his theft trial falsely claimed the officer was being tested for the illness caused by a new coronavirus.
With Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely set to go on trial Monday on felony charges, his attorneys told a judge he was hospitalized and being tested for the COVID-19 disease caused by the new virus. But testimony showed that wasn't true, and the judge harshly criticized the defense for making claims that could cause a panic.
A defense lawyer says he was simply mistaken. Records indicate Blakely was hospitalized with another respiratory problem.
