New judge appointed in Limestone County sheriff’s theft, ethics case Updated Feb 19, 2021; Posted Feb 19, 2021 Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely was booked into his own jail on Aug. 22, 2019 on criminal charges. Facebook Share A new judge has been appointed to the theft and ethics case of Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely. The Alabama Supreme Court has appointed retired Appellate Judge Pam Baschab to preside over the case. Baschab has served as a Baldwin County district judge and circuit judge, and spent 12 years as an Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals judge and presiding judge. Baschab replaces Pride Tompkins, who recused himself from Blakely’s case earlier this month over COVID-19 concerns. She will set a new trial date.