Forgiveness spares Augusta woman from prison

With the forgiveness and approval for a reduced sentence from the man she stabbed, an Augusta woman was sentenced to probation Wednesday.

LaTonya E. Eckford, 47, pleaded guilty in Richmond County Superior Court to aggravated assault. Judge J. Wade Padgett accepted the negotiated sentence of seven years probation under the First Offender Act. Eckford had no prior criminal record.

She was arrested for the Dec. 14, 2019, stabbing. The victim was stabbed one time in the torso area. He waived any claim for restitution Wednesday.