NATION IN BRIEF

Maximum Prison Terms Given in Torture Case

LOGAN, W.Va. -- Two people accused of taking part in the torture of a young black woman received the maximum sentences possible Thursday, but the victim's mother said they were not enough.

Karen Burton, 46, and Frankie Brewster, 49, pleaded guilty last month for their roles in the kidnapping and assault of Megan Williams last summer. They were among seven white defendants charged in the case.

Logan County Circuit Judge Roger Perry sentenced Burton to 10 years in prison for violating Williams's civil rights. She also received separate two-to-10-year sentences for assault. The sentences will be served consecutively. Brewster received a 10-to-25-year sentence for second-degree sexual assault.

Williams, 21, and her parents wept as the sentences were read.

"I just believe he shouldn't have plea-bargained with any of them," Williams's mother, Carmen, said of prosecutor Brian Abraham after the sentencing. Megan Williams "wanted them to do life," her mother added. The victim made no statement.

The Associated Press generally does not identify alleged victims of sexual assault, but Williams and her mother agreed to the release of her name. Carmen Williams has said that she wants people to know what her daughter endured.

Immigration Chief Announces Resignation

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Emilio T. Gonzalez announced that he will resign effective April 18 to spend more time with his family.

A retired Army colonel and former National Security Council aide who took the job in December 2005, Gonzalez made the surprise announcement as the 17,000-worker agency faces huge backlogs of applications for green cards and citizenship, as well as criticism over recent fee increases and its handling of security background checks.

Rep. David E. Price (D-N.C.) said through a spokesman that he "hopes that Dr. Gonzalez's departure does not lead to a gap in leadership . . . and particularly that it doesn't result in losing whatever momentum the agency has" in clearing backlogs.

Gonzalez said he will recommend that his deputy, Jonathan Scharfen, be tapped to serve as acting director when he speaks with Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.

Definition of Marriage Reiterated

NEW YORK -- A task force drafting a statement on sexuality for the nation's largest Lutheran group said that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America should continue to define marriage as the union of a man and a woman. But the panel did not condemn same-sex relationships. It expressed regret that historic church teachings have been used to hurt gay men and lesbians.

Flying-Saucer House Is for Sale

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- For auction: rare flying-saucer house on Chattanooga mountain. Buyer needs fascination with outer space, tolerance for gawkers and at least $100,000. The home, on Signal Mountain, will be sold to the highest bidder Saturday. The home was built by the late Curtis W. King in 1970 -- just after television executives grounded the original run of the Starship Enterprise.

-- From Staff Reports and News Services