Former nurse heads to prison for breaking drug laws

An 18-month prison term was ordered today in the General Sessions Court in Walhalla to a former hospital nurse whose use of painkillers later led to illegal drug complaints that made their way to the narcotics unit of the county Sheriff’s Office. A sheriff’s officer called defendant Candace McMahan “a user and a distributor” at her home on Brookwood Drive near Seneca. According to a court officer, McMahan pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute meth, and possession with intent to distribute heroin. Judge Sprouse ordered an 18-month sentence, with credit for 196 days spent in jail awaiting trial. As she pleaded guilty, McMahan told the judge, “I’m ashamed of being in front of you today.” She told the court she needs re-habilitation. Her lawyer said she has been accepted for treatment at a facility. He pleaded for a straight probationary sentence, saying his client had no previous criminal record.