SC governor suspends Williamsburg County Sheriff after public corruption charges indictment

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Governor Henry McMaster has suspended Williamsburg County Sheriff Stephen Gardner after he was indicted on public corruption charges.

Investigators say Gardner along with County Supervisor Tiffany Cooks are accused of several charges including criminal conspiracy and misconduct in office.

Authorities say they both conspired to route government money to Gardner and avoid taxes and withholdings on the amounts paid under the guise of checks written to a third party.

Clemson Wright Jr., will serve as interim sheriff pending the results of the investigation.