Sheriff: Investigation into detention center leads to discovery of backlogged cases, arrest of compliance director

Richland Co., S.C. (WOLO)– Richland Co. Sheriff Leon Lott  says on April 14, his department received 62 cases he says were withheld by officials at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

The sheriff says the incidents, dating back as far as December ’25, include sexual assault, contraband, riots, vandalism, and assaults of guards and inmates.

Officials say the first case that prompted further investigation was a sexual assault that investigators say took place on April 2nd while the victim was detained.

According to the sheriff, the victim notified jail staff of the assault, however the staff did not notify the Richland Co. Sheriff’s Dept.

On April 8th the sheriff says the Richland Co. Coroner’s Office notified RCSD of an inmate death after they were contacted by a local hospital.

Sheriff Lott says Keith Bagley died while in custody at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center from the toxic effects of synthetic cannabinoids, also known as K2 Spice.

Lott says jail officials not only never reported the death but were given a directive by James Lipscomb, Director of Compliance and Safety at ASG to not report the death.

Sheriff Lott says on Tuesday James Lipscomb was arrested and charged with Obstruction of Justice and is now an inmate at Alvin S. Glenn.

Out of the 62 cases, Sheriff Lott says seven jail guards and 17 inmates are charged with committing crimes in the jail.