Man arrested on charges of intimidation of court officials

SUMTER, S.C. (WOLO) — Deputies with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Department arrested on charges of intimidation of court officials, jurors, or witnesses. In September, 24-year-old William Ard along with three other men, allegedly assaulted a 20-year-old man at a residence in the 7000 block of Connector Road in Pinewood, beating him about the head and body. Ard and the three men were charged with first-degree assault and battery for their alleged involvement in the incident. Ard is being held at the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center, pending a bond hearing. The suspect was originally released from custody for the September charge on a $25,000 surety bond. The investigation continues, and more arrests and/or charges are possible.