Former Atlantic Beach mayor reclaims title

ATLANTIC BEACH, S.C. (AP) — The once-removed mayor of Atlantic Beach has reclaimed her position after a hit-and-run charge against her was dropped.

The Morning News of Florence reports (http://bit.ly/ozJlZl ) that Retha Pierce returned to Atlantic Beach Town Hall on Wednesday as mayor. She officially returned to her position at Tuesday’s town council meeting.

Prosecutors decided earlier this month to dismiss the hit-and-run charge after Pierce was found guilty of resisting arrest and ordered to 18 months of probation. The hit-and-run charge carried even less of a punishment.

Former Gov. Mark Sanford suspended Pierce in 2009 after she was indicted. Driving under the influence and trespassing charges also have been dropped against her in the last 18 months.

Pierce says her title should never have been taken. She says her goal is to help people.

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Information from: Morning News, http://www.scnow.com