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Kevin Bluhm to leave jail today, sentenced to 5 years probation

Convicted killer Jeffrey Willis' cousin will leave jail following his sentencing Tuesday afternoon.

Kevin Bluhm, the cousin of convicted killer Jeffrey Willis, is now a free man.

►Related: A timeline of the Jeffrey Willis case

Bluhm pleaded no contest to being an accessory after the fact of murder in November. That charge was related to the Jessica Heeringa case.

The court sentenced Bluhm to 476 days and credit his 476 days served and some fines on Tuesday, Jan. 9. The judge also sentenced him to five years probation with a GPS tether.

Watch the sentencing here.

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1:53 p.m.

Judge states Bluhm has a right to appeal, hearing over. Bletsch's family and friends file out. Some appear satisfied with max probation given.

1:51 p.m.

Judge says he will follow agreement associated by parties. Court sentences Bluhm 476 days and credit his 476 days and some fines. Judge imposes 5 year probation. Judge imposes a GPS tether during his probation. Says he will review it after a year to determine if that condition will continue.

1:50 p.m.

Judge says hes not unmindful of how serious this case is. Judge says he also understands the law. "My job is to not do what I want to do, it's to follow the law."

1:48 p.m.

Judge brings up Dec 15 letter that was sent to him. He says it was signed by hundreds of people about Bluhm's release. Judge says it can't be part of the pre-sentence report, does not know who sent it.

1:47 p.m.

Prosecutor asks for probation term of 5 years.

1:43 p.m.

Prosecutor states Bluhm has served twice the amount of time than suggested and anticipate he be released from jail today. Prosecutor asks Bluhm wear a GPS tether during his probation. Adds its a very serious crime and says his silence, swept up the life of Rebekah Bletsch and potentially MJN.

1:42 p.m.

Bluhm and Judge have entered the room.

1:28 p.m.

Friends and family members of Rebekah Bletsch fill the courtroom wearing t-shirts that read: 'Your silence killed'. We are still waiting for court to begin.

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