DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The two people at the center of the DeKalb County schools corruption case have been released on bond Wednesday.
Last month, Judge Cynthia Becker overturned the convictions of Pat Reid and her ex-husband, Tony Pope.
Both were convicted in a DeKalb County school construction scandal last year.
Former Superintendent Crawford Lewis testified during the trial.
In a recent court order, Becker noted a "lack of complete and truthful" testimony in nine specific areas from Lewis.
An appeals court judge initially halted Reid and Pope's release from jail.
Channel 2's Erica Byfield and Mark Winner were at the DeKalb County Jail Wednesday afternoon as Pope and Reid walked out of the jail, free on bond.
Pope told Byfield that he was thrilled to be out of jail and had a lot of support during his time there.
"To be honest, I met some great men who supported me through the process, and I hope that I left them with some positive influence, especially those brothers up in Jackson County; it's interesting, interesting ordeal," Pope said. "Today I am breathing fresh air, seeing home again. Just can't wait to get home."
Pope also said that he is thankful for the judicial system and how he's looking forward to proving his innocence in court.
He also he thanked his family and apologized to them for putting through this ordeal.
A short time after Pope was released, Reid walked out of the DeKalb County Jail.
She said told Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne that she can't wait for the truth to come out.
"I stand by the truthfulness of my testimony. I have since the beginning of this matter," Reid said. "I'm innocent and I think that its already been proven more than once, and I look forward to doing it again."
Winne asked Reid what helped her get through her time in jail.
"My belief in, my faith in God and my faith in my family and that the truth would actually come out," Reid answered. "I'm very appreciative and thankful for everyone that helped make this possible, especially my family."
All of this happened because a judge did not believe the star witness in their case, former superintendent Crawford Lewis.
Lewis was accused of knowingly signing off on a scheme in which DeKalb schools' Chief Operating Officer Patricia Pope, now Pat Reid, funneled work to her architect husband, Tony Pope. Prosecutors said the fraudulent payments totaled more than $2.3 million.
Lewis was sentenced to spend one year behind bars by Becker last year, despite striking a plea agreement that would allow him to avoid jail time and spend one year on probation.
At the time, Becker said she was not bound to the plea agreement, but the district attorney said Becker agreed to the terms. Lewis served nearly a week in jail before being released on bond after his attorney filed an emergency motion.
WSBTV
