Mauston, USA - A 36-year-old former Necedah woman accused of helping to hide a corpse in her bathroom was herself a victim, the prosecutor said Monday during the woman's sentencing.
After pleading no contest, Tammy D. Lewis was ordered to pay $350 plus her share of any restitution for obstructing an officer. Juneau County District Attorney Scott Southworth agreed to delay prosecution for two years on charges of hiding a corpse and two counts each of causing mental harm to a child and misdemeanor theft. If Lewis complies with the agreement, the charges will be dismissed.
"We're acknowledging that Tammy Lewis was a victim of this cult," Southworth said. "We're also acknowledging that she is responsible for some of her own actions -- like lying to a police officer."
During her sentencing Monday, Lewis said she completed 12 grades, can read and write, but has problems with comprehension. At several points during the hearing, the proceedings stopped as she talked to her attorney or told Juneau County Circuit Court Judge John Roemer Jr. she didn't understand.
According to court documents, Lewis left the body of Alvina Middlesworth, 90, on the toilet in her home for two months after she died. Lewis was sharing the residence with Middlesworth and two teenage children.
Lewis' co-defendant, Alan A. Bushey, 58, Necedah, who calls himself Bishop John Peter, told Lewis and the children if they prayed, Middlesworth would return to life. Lewis and Bushey used Middlesworth's Social Security and annuity checks to pay bills for Bushey's church, Order of the Divine Word, and the church's members.
As part of the delayed prosecution agreement, Lewis must testify at Bushey's trial, which is scheduled for April. She also must comply with court orders in cases concerning the two children and continue mental health treatment.
Lewis will be an important witness in the case against Bushey, along with the two children, Southworth said.
Her attorney, Daniel Berkos, who called the outcome "wonderful," said there has been a huge difference in Lewis, since she has been away from Bushey's influence.
"She's much more engaging and confident in herself," he said. "She had no confidence for a while."