FREMONT — A former superintendent of Clyde-Green Springs Schools was released from prison Wednesday before his eight-year sentence expired.

Todd Helms, 51, had been incarcerated at Marion Correctional Institution since January, 2010, when he was sentenced to eight years in prison for stealing nearly $300,000 from the district over five years.

He previously pleaded guilty to theft in office, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, tampering with records, filing a false or fraudulent tax return, and six counts of theft.

In February, Helms requested judicial release, which was granted by Sandusky County Common Pleas Judge Barbara Ansted on Wednesday.

The court cited several factors in favor of releasing him, including the nonviolent nature of his offenses and the fact that he’s paid a substantial amount of the restitution he owes.

Helms still owes roughly $122,000 to the school district and other agencies, which he must repay. He will be placed on community control for five years, with the first year spent in intensive supervision, and must perform 120 hours of community service.

First Published May 14, 2015, 4:00 a.m.