Chance Loftis is shown with attorney Mary Sullivan Moore before Judge Don Poole
Chance Loftis, who the state had wanted to put away for murder, instead will be leaving jail today and will go into the Transformation Project - a Christian-based criminal justice program.
A jury on Friday afternoon ruled Loftis only guilty of reckless endangerment, which is a misdemeanor, in the death of Donald Rogers on a boat in North Hamilton County on April 24, 2102.
Travis Jenkins is still charged with murder and aggravated animal cruelty. He testified for the state, saying that Loftis repeatedly hit the 46-year-old Rogers around the face and head with his fist. He said Loftis then killed his dog with a boat paddle.
The state agreed to dismiss a burglary charge against Loftis.
He was sentenced to 11 months and 29 days for reckless endangerment, but he has already served 33 months while awaiting trial.
Judge Don Poole urged Loftis to take the opportunity to turn his life around, noting, "The jury could have found you guilty of something far greater."
The judge said, "I hope you can do something with your life."