Local mayor receives maximum sentence

Head suspended the year, which means Herron will not serve any time in jail but will, instead, spend two years on probation. While on probation, he will not be required to report to a probation officer.

Herron was also ordered to serve 250 hours of community service at the SOS Animal Shelter—the area’s sole no-kill animal shelter.

When imposing Herron’s sentence, Head said, “The temptation looms large to say a lot.”

Though Herron has become a well-known figure in the community, Head said he only knows of Herron what he has learned in the courtroom during the trial.

He also said he watched the jury intently during the trial.

“I am completely convinced their verdict was not based on politics, but that it was based on facts,” he said.

While rendering his sentence, Head said he did not wish to prevent Herron from completing the requirements of his office. But he also wanted to address what had been brought to light during the trial.

When addressing the conditions of the New Brockton Animal Shelter Head said, “They go beyond deplorable conditions. They are horrendous.”

Herron was convicted in January following a two-day trial.

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Department first levied against Herron and New Brockton animal control officer Tony Bloodsworth in the summer of 2011 after the department received complaints about the shelter and the alleged abuse of numerous dogs.

When officers arrived at the shelter, they found four dogs, with undrinkable water and insect-infested food, living in feces inside a cage. Each animal, including two puppies, was found in need of medical attention.

An additional dog was chained outside the shelter without food or water.

About 24 hours after the shelter was discovered, a puppy was euthanized because of injuries it had suffered and a lack of funds needed for the necessary medical treatment, according to Dr. Jake Hendrix, veterinarian.

During Herron’s sentencing, defense attorney Letta Dillard Gorman argued to have Herron’s conviction set aside because the prosecution’s strongest evidence was based on testimony by Herron’s codefendant, Bloodsworth.

Gorman argued Bloodsworth testified because of political motivation.

The arguments may be used on appeal.