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.