We’ve been keeping you posted on the trial of Newton County Sheriff Eddie Shannon in San Augustine this week and after less than an hour of deliberation, a jury found the sheriff not guilty Wednesday afternoon.

Newton County Sheriff Eddie Shannon with defense attorneys, John Seale (left) and Blair Bisbey after Wednesday's not guilty verdict in San Augustine County. Photo courtesy of Mike Lout, KJAS

Shannon had been accused of making terroristic threats against the Newton County Commissioners’ Court.

Shannon took the stand on Wednesday morning in his own defense and denied making the statements that he was alleged to have said following a meeting of the Newton County Commissioners Court in late April of 2014. However, Shannon did admit to being angry at members of the court and their questioning of his purchase of a new car to replaced one that had destroyed in a wreck.

During his closing argument, before the jury retired, defense attorney Blair Bisbey said the case "Reeked of politics" and the whole investigation was a "Witch hunt".

After three days of testimony, the seven woman, five man jury deliberated for 50-minutes and found the Newton County lawmaker not guilty.

Shannon had been placed on administrative leave after being indicted in July. It’s not sure when Shannon would return to work.

A change of venue was granted to both prosecution and defense.