SC NAACP leader’s trial scheduled for December

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The trial for the leader of the South Carolina NAACP on a misdemeanor charge is now scheduled for Dec. 9 Lonnie Randolph’s attorney said Municipal Court Judge Steedley Bogan set the court date Friday. The trial was expected to begin next week. The 63-year-old Randolph is charged with disorderly conduct, trespassing and resisting arrest. Officers reported that an employee asked Randolph to leave Tripp’s Fine Cleaners and was outside when officers arrived on July 12. According to the incident report, Randolph became irritated and struggled with officers as they handcuffed him and used force to put him in the patrol car, He and attorney Joe McCulloch said Randolph was having a diabetic episode, which causes confusion and disorientation. Randolph said he believes race played a role in his treatment.