article_snippet: Melissa Brittle, 38, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for failing to report the abuse of Melissa Brittle grandson .
article_snippet: A Maryland woman who stood by while Her husband Raymond Brittle horrifically whipped, shook and kicked her grandson to death has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.
article_snippet: Defense attorney Mary Drawbaugh asked for a 12-year sentence, the lowest end of the sentencing spectrum for the case, arguing that Melissa Brittle helped bring about his mother 's guilty plea and had been prepared to testify against her emotionally abusive husband.
article_snippet: Melissa Brittle faced up to 40 years in prison under a state law that says failing to report child abuse also constitutes child abuse.
article_snippet: A judge on Wednesday ordered A judge held for 20 years, with 20 years suspended.
article_snippet: Melissa Brittle has also pleaded guilty in the case and faces 55 years in prison.
article_snippet: Melissa Brittle is scheduled to be sentenced next week.
highlights_snippet: Melissa Brittle was sentenced under Maryland law that says failing to report child abuse also constitutes child abuse .
  