Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

Wednesday, August 01, 2012  A woman has been charged in an investigation of a former South Carolina sheriff now serving federal prison time for running a drug conspiracy.

Thursday, May 19, 2011  Authorities say three Sumter men facing federal charges are tied to the drug conspiracy and racketeering case of a former South Carolina sheriff serving 17 years in prison.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011  Former Lee County Sheriff E.J. Melvin is appealing his 17-year-sentence and conviction for drug conspiracy and racketeering Wednesday.  Court documents show Melvin filed an appeal with the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Monday, March 28, 2011  Melvin, 48, will spend the next 212 months incarcerated at Butner, North Carolina.  U.S. District Court Judge Cameron Currie suggested the location for security reasons.

Friday, March 18, 2011  Melvin showed no reaction as his sentence on drug conspiracy and racketeering charges was handed down in federal court Friday.

Thursday, March 17, 2011  E.J. Melvin will appear before a federal judge in Columbia at 2 p.m.  He was convicted on 30 counts of drug conspiracy and racketeering by a jury in November.

Saturday, November 06, 2010  Jurors are waiting to begin deliberating the fate of a former Lee County sheriff facing dozens of federal charges, including drug conspiracy and racketeering.

Friday, November 05, 2010  Defense attorney Jack Swerling is giving his closing argument Friday for the trial of E.J. Melvin.

Monday, October 25, 2010  Former Lee County Sheriff E.J. Melvin set to appear in federal court today.

Thursday, October 07, 2010  E.J. Melvin pleads not guilty to new charges.

Thursday, August 26, 2010  Former Lee County Sheriff E.J. Melvin is facing an additional charge of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

Thursday, August 12, 2010  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Moore said in court documents filed Thursday that a centralized jury is the only way to ensure a fair trial for former Lee County Sheriff E.J. Melvin.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010  Daniel Simon has been declared the winner of a special Democratic primary election to replace disgraced former Lee County Sheriff E.J. Melvin.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010  Three people have pleaded guilty to their roles in a drug conspiracy that authorities say includes a former South Carolina sheriff.

Tuesday, July 06, 2010  A federal judge has delayed the trial of a former South Carolina sheriff charged as part of a drug conspiracy.