Judge Orders No Additional Jail Time for McDougall

Former Salem town official Patrick McDougall will avoid additional jail time as he serves suspended sentenced stemming from an incident with his wife at their family home last year, according to the Eagle Tribune.

According to the paper, Salem District Court Judge Michael Sullivan agreed that McDougall, 38, had complied with his orders. 

His jail sentence wil remain suspended for 18 months after being convicted on charges of disorderly conduct and obstructing government administration.

The paper's report indicates that while the prosecution believed that McDougall complied with the judge's orders, they did criticize his personal attacks of the legal process on Facebook. Those posts were not read in court.

McDougall was serving on the Salem Zoning Board of Adjustment and Budget Committee at the time of his arrest.

On Tuesday night, McDougall issued a Facebook post to followers about the news:

"Good News everyone the judge suspended my jail sentence permanently and is awaiting a letter to drop me from probation. Thank you all for your prayers and concern's during this difficult time!"
McDougall was arrested July 11, 2012 on a warrant stemming from the June 26, 2012 incident with his wife.

According to Salem Police, McDougall's wife called 911 complaining about a pre-existing medical condition and saying that she was in "a great deal of pain."

She requested to be transported to the hospital by Salem Fire, which McDougall refused at the scene, becoming agitated with the paramedics over the cost of the transport.

One hour later, McDougall eventually drove his wife to the hospital himself.

In January, he served two days in county jail and received a 28-day suspended sentence.

On Aug. 31, 2012, McDougall was arrested on a separate witness tampering charge in connection to an altercation with Salem Fire Chief Kevin Breen. As part of a plea deal, McDougall received a 120-day suspended sentence in that case.