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APS educator convicted in cheating scandal first to leave jail early on parole

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles confirmed Angela Williamson was released from the Fulton County Jail June 4.

ATLANTA — One of the Atlanta Public Schools educators jailed in connection to the now infamous cheating scandal has become the first teacher released from jail early on parole.

Angela Williamson was sentenced to serve two years after being convicted of violating the RICO, or the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization, Act. Williamson surrendered to authorities back in October of 2018. But, according to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, her two-year sentence made her "statutorily parole eligible" after serving nine months in prison.

RELATED: 2 former APS employees convicted in cheating scandal turn themselves in

"The Board viewed Williamson's offense as a non violent offense and determined she could safely be returned to the community. The Board determined she is a low risk to re-offend," said an official with the Board.

The Board confirmed Williamson was released from the Fulton County Jail June 4 and added that she became parole eligible this month. She will serve the remainder of her sentence under community supervision with the Department of Community Supervision. 

READ: 'I believe we were scapegoated': Educator convicted in APS cheating scandal writes book

Williamson was one of 11 educators convicted in connection to the 2015 cheating scandal. Williamson along with fellow educator Tamara Cotman were appealed to the state Supreme Court, but lost that legal battle. Several other educators are still fighting the charges.

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