Ex-Atlantic Beach mayor’s hit-and-run dropped

CONWAY, S.C. (AP) — A hit-and-run charge has been dropped against Retha Pierce, ending a string of legal problems for the former mayor of Atlantic Beach.

Prosecutors said they decided to dismiss the charge after Pierce was found guilty of resisting arrest last month and ordered to serve 18 months of probation. They say the hit-and-run charge carried even less of a punishment.

Pierce was suspended from office in 2009 after she was indicted on the hit-and-run charge. Atlantic Beach officials haven’t said if the dropped charge changes her status with the town.

Driving under the influence and trespassing charges also have been dropped against Pierce in the past 18 months.