Sheriff Lott Fires Deputy, Apologizes to Citizens

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says he’s sorry for the actions of a now-former deputy with the Department, after the ex-officer ran a red light, causing a crash that injured a civilian driver. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says this is the third at-fault accident caused by no-former Corporal Kenneth Proffitt since 2012. Today he’s without a job. “We expect him to protect the public, drive in a safe manner,” said Lott. “Cpl. Proffitt demonstrated he could not do that.” Thirty-eight-year-old Ken Proffitt surrendered his badge and gun Tuesday. This, after it was proven he ran a red light July 25 at the intersection of Two Notch and Trenholm Roads, injuring a civilian driver. “I’ve apologized to the family and now I’m apologizing to the public.” Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, who says the former corporal started with the Department in 2004, was on duty but was not responding to a call at the time of the collision. Lott says Proffitt has been involved in and disciplined for what are now three at-fault car wrecks since 2012. No dash cam video was available. However, surveillance footage from a nearby business caught everything on tape. “Our deputy ran the red light, which caused the accident. When one does something inappropriate as he did we take appropriate action.” When asked if the officer showed any remorse upon termination, the sheriff said, “He feels he had the green light.”