Child abuser slits wrist in Court

Ledford attempts suicide during sentencing hearing; gets 80-year sentence

Published: 8:34 AM, 12/12/2012

Last updated: 10:31 AM, 12/12/2012

Author: Michael Thomason
Source: The Monroe County Advocate

MADISONVILLE-A Sweetwater man scheduled to be sentenced for sex crimes against children reportedly tried to cut his wrists at the Monroe County Courthouse Tuesday afternoon.

Charles Edgar "Eddie" Ledford 46, pleaded guilty to child abuse/neglect, two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, two counts rape of a child and aggravated sexual battery in October.

Ledford's sentencing was one of several cases scheduled to be heard Tuesday, but around 2 p.m., before he was brought into the courtroom, he apparently managed to acquire a razor blade and attempted to slit his wrists.

Reports out of the Criminal Court Clerk's office stated the cuts on Ledford's wrists weren't very deep and he was initially he was going to be taken to the Sweetwater Hospital Emergency Room for treatment. But after being treated at the scene, it was decided he wasn't seriously injured and would still be sentenced.

When Ledford pleaded in October, it was noted that he was considered suicidal, but at that point he hadn't attempted any such act.

At the end of his hearing, Ledford received an 80-year prison term. Some of the terms run at the same time, meaning his actual jail time is 56 years. Ledford would be more than 100 years old if he lived to the end of his term.

See full story in the Wednesday, Dec. 12, edition of The Advocate & Democrat.