Early release request denied for former Covington County Probate Judge | Crime

ANDALUSIA, AL (WSFA) - It's do not pass go, do not collect $2 million for former Covington County Probate Judge Sherrie Phillips. A judge denied Phillips' request for early release from prison on theft charges on Wednesday.

Phillips reported to prison back in October 2009. The same Montgomery Circuit Judge, Charles Price, sentenced Phillips to a split sentence of 10 years, with a three year prison term for theft by deception. Phillips was found guilty of stealing nearly $2 million from the estate of a deceased man and using her position and that money for unlawful personal gain.

After depositing the money in her own personal checking account, Phillips wrote 10 checks including checks to pay off loans, a $25,000 check to her husband, a $100,000 check to her brother, a $100,000 check to herself after she had bought a Cadillac for more than $60,000, and a $23,000 check to a Ford dealer for her husband's truck.

Phillips' attorney, David Harrison, argued for Phillips' release stating to the Andalusia Star News that she “has given every indication of reformation and correction,” and that letting her out early would save the state money.

Phillips is scheduled for release on Oct. 23, 2012.