BRAXTON MAGISTRATE SENT TO JAIL

(06/10/2008)
A Braxton County magistrate convicted of trying to retaliate against a witness who testified against her son has been incarcerated in Central Regional Jail.

Carolyn Cruickshanks was sentenced Monday to 120 days in jail by Fayette County Circuit Judge John W. Hatcher Jr.

Cruickshanks testified that she made an error in judgment, but didn't think she was committing a crime.

The magistrate was accused of delivering a copy of the witness' plea agreement and transcript of his plea hearing to her son, who was jailed along with the witness.

Other inmates decided the witness was a snitch and threatened him, prompting authorities to place him in protective custody.

Cruickshanks has been suspended without pay since March 2007.

She ran for re-election, but was defeated.