Former Horry volunteer fire chief faces sex charge

CONWAY, S.C. (AP) — A former Horry County volunteer fire chief has been arrested and charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor.

Fifty-two-year-old Tallmedge Leroy Rowell of Nichols was arrested earlier this week after a woman told Horry County police that Rowell assaulted her in 1991.

The woman says she was afraid to report the attack at the time.

Rowell formerly worked as a volunteer district chief in the Floyds area. Lesley Yancey with Horry County Fire Rescue says Rowell was removed from his position after he was arrested in July on other sex charges.

Rowell was being held in the Horry County jail. It was unclear if he has a lawyer.