August 20, 2009 in Nation/World

Bristol Palin ex-fiance’s mom guilty

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Associated Press photo

Sherry Johnston talks to her attorney, Rex Butler, in court Wednesday.
(Full-size photo)

PALMER, Alaska – The mother of the man former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s daughter Bristol had planned on marrying has reached a plea deal in her drug case.

Sherry Johnston pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of possession with intent to deliver the painkiller OxyContin. Five other felony counts were dropped.

Johnston will be held in a correctional facility until her Nov. 20 sentencing.

Although Johnston could receive 20 years in prison, her attorney and prosecutors agreed to a five-year sentence, with two years suspended. The judge has the sentencing recommendation under review.

Johnston, 42, is the mother of 19-year-old Levi Johnston. He and 18-year-old Bristol Palin called their wedding off after their son, Tripp, was born in December.

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One comment on this story so far. Add yours!

• 

  skeugster on August 20 at 8:50 a.m.

  Think of it! We live in a society which imposes grave burdens upon ourselves by putting people in prison for having prescription drugs in their possession. What is the great crime here? (1) not having persmission to have the drugs; 2) wanting to sell the drugs; (3) using the drugs — have you ever used oxycontin? — gives you a slight high, constipates you and causes you to become interested in those colon clease advertisements you see in your email box daily; (4) or (this is it) violation of the ghosts of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union.

  For this the government is going to expend, let us say, at least $120,000 to keep the poor woman in jail for two years. My, oh my!