Sex abuse suspect Dustin Kent released from jail

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A hearing was held on Monday for sex abuse suspect Dustin Kent.

Kent, although still on electronic monitoring, did not have his bond revoked as prosecutors had hoped. The state wanted Dustin Kent to stay behind bars.

But Monday morning, the judge sided with the defense.

"They were claiming that he went across the street into a neighbors yard at 2 or 3 in the morning, it absolutely didn't happen," said defense attorney John Beck.

Kent was re-arrested last week after authorities said he violated a bond condition and set off his electronic monitoring device numerous times. Beck argued the device was faulty.

"The judge found insufficient evidence to support the allegation," Beck said.

Testimony from state prosecutors claimed that Kent had been already given a "new" device, and showed the judge a map of the area where Kent had allegedly gone. The judge went over Kent's bond agreement with him, he restated that he is only allowed at home, church, to see a doctor or to see his attorney.

Kent is free on bond on charges of rape and sodomy. His arrest was a part of the investigation into a sex ring that spanned multiple people and two counties.

Kent's case has been bound over to a grand jury.

PHOTOS: Baldwin County sex crimes investigation

Kent is the uncle of the missing Brittney Wood. Four of Wood's other family members, plus one family friend, have all been arrested in connection to the alleged crimes.