South Carolina Chief Sentenced to Six Months

Santee, S.C., former police chief has been sentenced to six months in prison after pleading guilty to charges that he used town funds for personal use.

Robert Williams had served as the town’s police chief for 13 years and as a law enforcement officer since 1976. His career ended Wednesday when he pleaded guilty to misconduct in office and received a one-year sentence. The sentence was suspended to six months in prison and five years of probation. In addition, Williams must serve 50 hours of public service and pay $9,329 in restitution.

“This is a terrible thing in a democracy when that hope of public trust is (tarnished,” Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein told the Orangeburg Times and Democrat.

Former Santee Town Clerk Fredya M. Bruce also faces charges of misconduct in office.

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) says that Bruce took funds entrusted to her office and put them to personal use. SLED also says that Bruce allowed Williams to take town funds for his personal use.