Richland County EMS staff delivered multiple ambulance loads of toys and gifts on December 15 as part of the county’s annual Stuff an Ambulance holiday toy drive. The delivery took place at the Richland County Judicial Center in downtown Columbia. The donated items will benefit children involved in Richland CountyContinue Reading
LEXINGTON COUNTY — A Lexington County man and woman were arrested following a traffic stop that led to multiple drug and weapons charges, according to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Jonathon Shockley, 26, was charged with: Two counts of trafficking fentanyl Two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaineContinue Reading
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department raised over $1,800 in a single day this year By W. Thomas Smith Jr. FOR THE FIFTH YEAR IN A ROW, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) were out in force ringing the bells for the SalvationContinue Reading
Lexington, SC (December 5, 2025) — Chief Terrence Green is notifying the Town of Lexington community of road closures and traffic detours in place on Sunday, December 7, 2025, due to the Town of Lexington Christmas Parade in downtown Lexington. Road closures and detours will begin at 1:00 p.m. withContinue Reading
Larry Payne’s life’s work is reflected in his three decades of service to Richland County By W. Thomas Smith Jr. In January 2018, then-Lieutenant Larry Payne was one of three Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) deputies featured in a national POLICE1 article which examined the department’s unique and first-of-its-kind pre-PTSDContinue Reading
LEXINGTON, S.C. – A Sandhills Middle School cafeteria employee has been charged after allegedly bringing a loaded firearm onto school grounds. Andrea Brooks, 43, faces a charge of carrying a weapon on school property, according to the arrest warrant. “The school resource officer was notified after a district employee toldContinue Reading
Mullikin celebrates law enforcement officers from across South Carolina By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Dr. Tom Mullikin, director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources – and one of 60 of the most influential (impactful) military leaders from S.C. recognized during Veterans Month whosonthemove.com/ – was the keynote speaker forContinue Reading
LEXINGTON, S.C. – A Leesville man is facing charges after narcotics agents discovered cocaine, firearms, and cash in his home, according to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Vincent Davis, 62, has been charged with trafficking cocaine and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, Sheriff Jay Koon said. Agents,Continue Reading
Photograph becomes “Photo of the Week” in top national publication By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Sheriff Leon Lott (on the far right wearing a pink shirt with sheriff’s stars on his collar) was photographed with a group of Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) senior leaders, investigators, and administrative personnel inContinue Reading
Sheriff Lott honors retired Deputy and Vietnam veteran James L. Taylor Sr. By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Mr. James L. Taylor, Sr., a 92-year-old retired deputy sheriff with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) was presented his retirement credentials, during a special ceremony at the RCSD headquarters, Tuesday, Oct. 21.Continue Reading
Lott says his Richland County Sheriff’s Department has changed the public narrative through new and emerging technologies as well as RCSD’s “peace officer” branding By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott addressed members of the Spring Valley Rotary Club at Columbia’s Northeast Presbyterian Church, Thursday,Continue Reading