GAINESVILLE - The Hall County Civil Service Board has again voted to reinstate two sheriff's deputies who were fired after the escape of an inmate from the Hall County Courthouse more than a year ago. <br />
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The first vote, which was taken last November, was voided by a Superior Court Judge, who ruled that the civil service board violated the state's Open Meetings Law by voting behind closed doors while in executive session.<br />
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Jack Dodd and Larry Hensley were on duty July 16, 2013, the day James Edward Cantrell escaped while prisoners were being taken from the courthouse to a vehicle to be transported back to the jail.<br />
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The 46-year-old Cantrell was missing for almost a week before he was caught at a motel in the Tucker area in Dekalb County.<br />
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Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch fired Dodd and Hensley the day after Cantrell was taken back into custody. In a written statement, sheriff's office officials said the facts in the case warranted the termination of both deputies. <br />
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In a statement issued at the time, the sheriff's office said "Due to the pending appeal, no further information will be released at this time." <br />
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County spokeswoman Katie Crumley said Tuesday afternoon the county has not decided whether to appeal the board's latest ruling.