Boston club owner pleads guilty to probe

BOSTON -- The co-owner of a Boston nightclub has avoided jail time after pleading guilty to charges that he tried to hinder an investigation into a shooting outside his establishment.

Shawn Donovan received a one-year suspended sentence and three years of probation after pleading guilty Friday to witness intimidation charges. Prosecutors had asked for a 2 1/2 year sentence.

Authorities say the 29-year-old Donovan told a photographer inside the Revolution Rock Bar early on New Year's Day to destroy images that showed the shooting suspect in the club, including one that showed Donovan and the suspect arm in arm.

He also told police that he did not know the suspect even though prosecutors said they are well acquainted.

Donovan's lawyer did not immediately return calls Monday.

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