Former Saluda County sheriff Jason Booth (Courtesy: Saluda County)
The former Saluda County sheriff has pleaded guilty to a misconduct in office.
The Associated Press reports former sheriff Jason Booth entered his plea in court Monday. He was sentenced to one year in jail, but the judge said Booth will not have to serve that time if he pays a $900 fine and does five years probation.
State prosecutors say Booth used a prison inmate to do work on his home and property for nearly six years. Solicitor inmate built an ornate iron gate and “party shed” for Booth. In exchange, prosecutors say the inmate got perks including visits with a girlfriend. Booth resigned in June after he was charged, although he was already in the final year of his term. He was first elected sheriff in 2000.
Gov. Nikki Haley appointed former Boeing security official Luther Nossett, Jr. to fill out the rest of Booth’s term.
