Williamsburg

Community Rallies to Combat Rising Violence in Williamsburg County: Leaders Call for Unity and Action

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WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY, S.C. — In response to a surge in violent crime, local and state officials joined community leaders in a gathering aimed at fostering safety and collaboration. The meeting, held in the wake of several shooting incidents that resulted in tragic fatalities earlier this month, focused on strategies to curb violence and inspire community involvement. Veronica Cooper, a long-time resident and organizer of the event, expressed her relief that local leaders responded to the community’s plea for help. “We’ve witnessed a disturbing increase in shootings,” she noted. “It raises the question of how much … Read more

Williamsburg County Sheriff and Former Supervisor Charged in Corruption Scandal Involving Misuse of COVID Relief Funds

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Columbia, S.C. — Authorities in South Carolina have brought corruption charges against two former Williamsburg County officials, as disclosed in a recent announcement from the State Attorney General’s Office. Sheriff Stephen Renard Gardner, 50, and former county supervisor Tiffany Cooks, 51, face multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy and money laundering. Gardner, who took office in 2017 after previously serving as the department’s chief deputy, has been indicted for a series of alleged offenses. These charges range from criminal conspiracy, potentially carrying a prison term of up to five years, to money laundering involving sums between … Read more