Cuffy may change name or leave America

DECATUR - The state&#39;s star witness in the assassination of DeKalb County Sheriff-elect Derwin Brown wants a new identity and may leave the country. <br> <br> Thirty-seven-year-old Patrick Cuffy was released from jail early Monday. <br> <br> Cuffy&#39;s lawyer -- Keith Adams -- says Cuffy soon will disappear into anonymity, possibly in another country. <br> <br> He says Cuffy could be in serious danger if he stays in metro Atlanta. <br> <br> The former sheriff&#39;s deputy was in jail on charges stemming from a fatal shootout in front of his home in March 2001. He was serving a one-year sentence for tampering with evidence. <br> <br> Adams says his client was released at 12:03 a.m. Monday primarily because of concerns for his safety. <br> <br> Cuffy admitted his role in Brown&#39;s murder and implicated three others, including former DeKalb Sheriff Sidney Dorsey. By striking a deal with prosecutors, Cuffy received immunity in exchange for his testimony. <br> <br> Last month, Dorsey was convicted of plotting to murder Brown, his successor, and was sentenced to life in prison. <br> <br> Derwin Brown was gunned down in his driveway December 15, 2000, just days before he was to be sworn in.