AIKEN, South Carolina – The former sheriff of Saluda County has pleaded guilty to a misconduct in office charge.
Jason Booth entered his plea in court Monday. Booth was sentenced to one year in jail, but a judge says he won't have to serve that time if he pays a $900 fine and does five years probation.
Booth resigned in June after he was charged. Authorities say he used a state prison inmate to do work on his home and property for nearly six years.
Prosecutors said Monday the inmate built an ornate iron gate and "party shed" for Booth. In exchange, prosecutors say the inmate got perks including conjugal visits with a girlfriend.
Booth was elected sheriff in 2000. He had already decided not to run again this year when he was indicted.
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