A South Carolina lawmaker pleaded no contest Thursday to threatening to beat and sexually assault a man dating his estranged wife. He was fined $500.
State Rep. Thad Viers, 29, left court immediately but later released a statement saying he was ashamed of his behavior on a day that he had hoped to reconcile with his wife, only to learn she was dating someone else.
"I and those around me lost our tempers and exercised poor judgment," said Viers, a Republican who represents the Myrtle Beach area. "In most of our lives, we can point to a time where as it relates to matters of the heart our emotions override our good sense. These events represent that for me and I look forward to moving on with my life."
James Zeigler, the man dating Viers' estranged wife, told police last fall that Viers threatened him and his mother in several phone calls. Prosecutor Todd Wagoner said Zeigler was so afraid that he slept cradling a shotgun.
In April, prosecutors denied Viers' request to enter a pretrial intervention program that would have cleared his record if he completed community service and other requirements. The no contest plea means he does not admit guilt but accepts a conviction.
The misdemeanor unlawful communication charge carried a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail.
Source: AP News
