Prosecutor: Saluda Co. sheriff indicted, resigns

AIKEN, S.C. (AP) — Gov. Nikki Haley is preparing to appoint a new sheriff for Saluda County after Sheriff Jason Booth was indicted and resigned.

Prosecutor Strom Thurmond Jr. says a state grand jury indicted Booth on Thursday on one charge of misconduct in office. Booth is charged with using an inmate to work on his private property.

Booth sent a letter to Haley resigning his post, effective immediately. He could face up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey says the governor plans on naming a replacement Friday. Godfrey says the sheriff sent a letter Thursday morning to Haley asking that the chief deputy be appointed to fill the post.

Booth didn’t immediately return a phone call from the Associated Press for comment.