AP file photo

Ashely Todd

A woman who falsely claimed she was attacked on a Bloomfield street by a supporter of Barack Obama was approved today to enter a probation program for first-time offenders.

Allegheny County Judge Robert Gallo gave Ashley Todd, of Texas, nine months of probation and ordered her to do 50 hours of community service in the next six months. She also must pay court costs.

Ms. Todd was a campaign volunteer for John McCain and working in Pittsburgh when she claimed an Obama supporter mugged her in October. She said a 6-foot-4 black man became enraged at the McCain bumper sticker on her car and carved a "B" into her cheek.

Police doubted her story and she soon admitted making the mark herself.

She had to receive counseling before she could be approved for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program today. If she completes the terms of her probation, she can apply to have her record expunged.