Drug Charges Involve South Carolina Emergency Management Division Spokesperson

Drug Charges Hit South Carolina Emergency Management Division Spokesperson

In a surprising turn of events, the city of West Columbia, S.C., has found itself in the headlines due to an incident involving a spokesperson from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD). This situation has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions within the community.

A Shocking Discovery

It all began on September 17 when deputies with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD) made a startling discovery in the SCEMD parking lot located on Fish Hatchery Road. Officials found a zippered pouch that, upon investigation, turned out to contain not just drug paraphernalia but also over two grams of a substance that has been confirmed to be methamphetamine by narcotics agents. This is certainly not something you would expect to find in a government agency’s parking lot!

Surveillance Footage Reveals All

The situation escalated when the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) became involved. They reviewed security camera footage from the parking lot and noted that the video “clearly shows” a 43-year-old individual, Charles Derrec Bond Becker, holding the pouch before casually setting it down and walking away, all while engaged in a phone call. It’s startling to think that no one noticed this happening at the time.

Details of the Arrest

Fast forward to Friday morning, and Becker was arrested at his home by officers from the Columbia Police Department (CPD). He is now facing charges for the distribution of meth. The arrest left many in the area murmuring and wondering how someone in such a prominent position could get tangled up in something this serious.

Once he was arrested, Becker was taken to the Lexington County Detention Center and booked. His overnight stay ended with him being released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond on Saturday morning. It’s a lot to digest for anyone following local news; a spokesperson for an agency intended to keep the public safe is now at the center of a drug case.

SCEMD’s Response

Becker, according to his LinkedIn profile, has been serving as the Chief of Public Information and External Affairs at SCEMD for over seven years. In light of his arrest, SCEMD Public Information Coordinator Tiffanie Barrett has confirmed that Becker has been placed on “administrative leave during this ongoing investigation.” This leave is without pay and began just a day after the pouch was discovered, showing that the agency is taking this matter very seriously.

Community Reactions

The incident has left many residents in West Columbia feeling conflicted. On one hand, there’s the shock of learning that a public figure could be involved in such serious allegations, while on the other, there’s concern about how this reflects on the SCEMD and public trust. Local residents are expressing their feelings, with some saying this is a wake-up call for greater oversight and awareness regarding public officials and their actions.

What Comes Next?

As this case unfolds, there’s no doubt that many will be keeping a close eye on the proceedings and what the future holds for Becker and SCEMD. The community is left with questions: How does a person in such a critical role get involved in drug-related activities? What actions will SCEMD take to restore public confidence?

For now, as investigations continue, the West Columbia community is left to process this unexpected news and look ahead to any further developments. Stay informed, keep your loved ones close, and let’s hope for a resolution that brings clarity and understanding.