Jailed Commissioner Slated For Early Release

A Rockingham county commissioner convicted of drunken driving will be getting out of jail early.  Keith Mabe will be home in time for Christmas.

Mabe was sentenced to two months in jail on drinking and driving charges.

The News and Record of Greensboro reports Mabe is scheduled for release December 17, a full 30 days earlier than the original sentence.

Officials wouldn't comment on the reduced sentencing.

Prosecuting attorney Craig Blitzer says that if he had known Mabe would only serve 30 days, he would have asked for a longer sentence.

The 61-year-old Mabe, who is from Eden, also received two years of supervised probation, a $1600 fine and 72 hours of community service.

His convictions stem from two drunken driving incidents.

Mabe has been able to retain his role as a commissioner because the charges are misdemeanors.