The wife of a former North Augusta public official and TV host who is serving a 78-year prison sentence for sexually abusing children received a probated sentence Tuesday.
Defense attorney Victor Hawk said Tuesday that Susan Meloan entered an Alford plea to a misdemeanor charge of contributing. The plea allowed the judge to determine that enough evidence was present to convict Ms. Meloan but it does not require any admission of guilt.
Edward Meloan was sentenced for 12 sex crimes related to abuse of boys in the 1960s and '70s. The former host of the horror show Shock Theatre and former chairman of the North Augusta Planning Commission pleaded guilty in October 2007 in Aiken County Court.
Mr. Hawk said the victim involved in the count against Ms. Meloan didn't want to see her jailed because he believed she was coerced by Mr. Meloan.
Ms. Meloan received a three-year suspended sentence with one year's probation. She is to write an apology to the victim and perform 100 hours of community service, Mr. Hawk said.
