Lott: Gang Problem in Five Points

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “Their centralized location was a club called The Library,” says Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott. 

Lott was straightforward Wednesday in pointing out gang activity in Five Points. 

Lott says his deputies conducted surveillance on October 26th and, he claims, “The Library,” is helping to bring in gang members. 

“The Library caters to gangs,” says Lott

But, “The Library,” owner, Justin Kershner disagrees. 

“I believe it’s a race issue. Because, I’m the only club in Five Points that lets young black kids in. Whether USC, Benedict or Allen. If you pass the dress code and you come to have fun and dance and spend money and do everything that every other American and college kid has t he right to do, I’m not going to turn you away,” says Kershner. 

Lott says otherwise. 

“Inside the location, they are wearing their colors. They are showing their membership in gangs,” says Lott

Kershner spoke to the media Wednesday, with his wife and four children.

“I work for these six people right here,” says Kershner. 

Kershner claims he is only trying to make a living and he doesn’t have any relations with gangs. 

“I’m a business owner, I don’t know who a gang is. They’re wearing a white polo, a pink polo, a green shirt. I don’t know, I don’t know who you are.. I let you in my business,” says Kershner. 

As for Five Points as a whole, Lott says through work with the Department of Corrections, ninety-eight known youth offenders have been given curfews. They cannot be in Five Points after 9:00 p.m. 

the Columbia Police Department was not involved in the recent surveillance, for that Lott gave this explanation, “As sheriff, I can do a lot of things he can’t. I don’t have to ask for permission.”