HUSBAND OF ANTI-DRUG LEADER SENTENCED FOR DRUG POSSESSION

AGRICOLA ( AP ) -- An Agricola woman who began a crusade against drugs in George County watched her husband plead guilty to four separate drug charges in circuit court.

Michael Touchard pleaded guilty Friday to charges relating to methamphetamine possession and to possession of marijuana.

Circuit Judge Dale Harkey sentenced Touchard to 10 years in prison, six of which were suspended.  He will have to serve two years in prison and two years house arrest, according to court records.

Touchard's wife, Pam Touchard, said his sentence was fair.  Pam Touchard is the organizer of George County Families Against Drugs, an organization formed last year to combat drugs, primarily methamphetamine, in George County.

The group has educated the public through several drug awareness seminars in the county, helped those on drugs find treatment programs and served as watchdogs in the court process.

Pam Touchard was given the Lee Howell Award by the George County Economic Development Foundation in October for her work in the community.