Former DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis released from prison

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Former DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis released from prison Tuesday after serving time for corruption.

Ellis on July 1 was found guilty of perjury and attempted theft by extortion. Ellis was acquitted of five other counts on charges that included bribery.

He was released Tuesday. A DeKalb County superior court judge sentenced Ellis to 18 months in prison in July. In all, he spent about 8 months behind bars.

Ellis maintained his innocence, saying he made phone calls but didn't threaten anyone or take action against vendors' contracts.

The attempted theft by extortion charge refers to Ellis trying to force a company called Power & Energy Services to donate to his political campaign.

The company's owner Brandon Cummings said he felt "threatened, intimidated (and) I guess scared" by a 2012 phone conversation he had with Ellis.

Cummings testified that Ellis pressured him to donate $2,500 to his political campaign.

“He said he just cut my contract, that we didn’t do anything wrong,” Cummings said while testifying during the trial.

When Cummings refused to donate to the Ellis campaign, his company lost a $250,000 contract.

Sources tell Channel 2 Action News Ellis got to use a cell phone and wore pajamas behind bars. Those sources said Ellis got the special treatment in the days leading up to his sentencing.

It is unclear where Ellis is now, he's still technically considered to be the county's suspended CEO. Lee May is the county's interim CEO.

• We're working on learning more about his release for Channel 2 Action News at 4.

WSBTV