News 12 at 6 o'clock / Friday, Jan. 27, 2012

EVANS, Ga. -- Nearly a year to the day after being arrested for child molestation, former Columbia County Commissioner Scott Dean learned how long he'll have to pay for his crimes.

It's been six weeks since Dean was convicted of two counts of child molestation. The 42-year-old could be behind bars until he's 62.

In court on Friday, his family and friends sat in support as his punishment was read aloud. In the eyes of the courtroom, Friday was Dean's judgment day. Now, he'll spend the next 20 years in prison.

The former Harlem mayor and Columbia County commissioner entered the court in an orange jumpsuit.

"We know Scott's not going home anytime soon. He's going to state prison, as much as some would like to see him immediately released ... that's not going to happen," Dean's attorney Pete Theodocion told the court.

Family, friends and supporters crowded the courtroom. Several spoke to the judge about the man they know.

"This is not a man that needs to be in prison. This is a man that needs to be with his family," Dean's friend Paul Duckworth read aloud.

"I'm heartbroken by the tragic incidents that have torn this wonderful family apart," added friend Gordon Renshaw.

Dean sobbed silently and wiped away tears. He was convicted in December of sexually molesting his adopted teenage daughter, touching her and exposing himself to her.

"No man is above the state and that every man, regardless of his political connections or sphere of influence, must answer to his community for a violation of our laws," Assistant District Attorney Parks White told the court.

Dean faced as much as 40 years behind bars. Ultimately, Judge James Blanchard decided his fate.

"Count one, you will be serving 20 years in custody followed by 20 years of probation on count two," Judge Blanchard read.

Dean smiled to his family as he was taken back into custody. His wife left court guarded by friends. A friend told News 12's Katie Beasley that Dean's wife had no comment.

"It sounds funny to say, were kinda pleased with it. It's all kind of relative and we knew that he would receive a lengthy sentence. To be frank, 20 years in and 20 years on probation is about the best we could have hoped for," Theodocion told News 12. "We're not looking forward to doing 20 years in prison, obviously, but I think we're relieved it's not more."

The prosecution was pleased, too.

"I think the judge imposed a sentence that sends a strong message to the community about how seriously these type of offenses are taken," White told News 12.

Offenses that have destroyed a family, a career and a reputation.

"There are no winners in this case. A family has been destroyed, a victim is left with a lifelong scar of being mistreated at the hands of her father," White said. "It's just tragedy all around, but the person responsible for that tragedy, he's been held accountable for his actions and he has been punished for it. Justice has been served."

Dean will have to register as a sex offender, as well as repay the approximately $2,000 in court fees from his trial. His attorney says they will file a motion for a new trial next week.

There have been a few politicians who have stuck their necks out to defend Dean. Rep. Ben Harbin and local politician Robert Newkirk both testified at his trial.

On Friday, heard from Newkirk again and Tom Blalock, one of Harlem's City council members. It's what some might consider a risky move for a politician, defending the character of a convicted sex offender.

The Sheriff's Office says Dean will remain at the Columbia County Detention Center until the Department of Corrections moves him to Coastal State Prison in Savannah for classification.