Curry's wife sentenced to probation for neglect of children he abused

The wife of Jerry Curry was sentenced to five years on probation and released after spending more than a year in jail for felony neglect of three daughters who were abused by Curry, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced Tuesday.

Shelia Wilson, 49, had pleaded guilty to one count of criminal neglect-deprivation over an extended period, involving her two older, vulnerable daughters. Two other counts, including neglect of her youngest daughter, were dismissed as part of the agreement.

Assistant Hennepin County Attorney Cheri Townsend told Hennepin County District Court Judge Fred Karasov Tuesday afternoon that she and Wilson’s attorney were seeking a reduced sentence for a number of reasons, primarily that she had cooperated with police and prosecutors and was ready to testify against Curry. That became unnecessary when he pleaded guilty and was sentenced earlier this month.

The other reasons for the reduced sentence was that Wilson had shown remorse, her daughters wanted a lighter sentence for their mother and she feared Curry, too, because he beat her and once broke her arm.

Judge Karasov sentenced Wilson to four years in prison, but she will not have to serve it as long as she does not violate the terms of her probation. She was given credit for the 372 days she had served in jail. In addition, she may only visit her children under the supervision of adult and juvenile protective services while she is on probation.

Townsend noted that her two older daughters were in the courtroom but left when they saw their mother enter the room wearing the orange jail jumpsuit.

“LW and SW have been concerned throughout the proceedings that their mother has been in custody,” Townsend told the court.

When it was her turn to speak, she apologized to her three daughters, including one who was not at the hearing.

“I wish it never happened,” Wilson said. “I should have been a better mother.”

Curry, 53, pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct, first-degree assault and gross misdemeanor child endangerment. He had physically and sexually abused the two older girls over a period of years. Wilson was aware of the abuse and did not stop it and Judge Karasov told her “you should have stood up to Mr. Curry.”

Curry was sentenced to 30 years in prison.