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

Monday, March 25, 2013  Five of South Carolina's 46 sheriffs have faced criminal charges in the past three years and that has fellow law enforcement leaders concerned.

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.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012  Investigators with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division with the assistance of the Sumter Police Department and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a four month undercover operation in the Statesburg / Wedgefield areas of Sumter County.

Thursday, November 17, 2011  Lee County authorities say they have arrested 12 people in a drug operation they have been tracking since August. Sheriff Daniel Simon says Operation “Pilgrim Pride” focused on several areas within the Bishopville city limits and the Sugar Hill Section of Ashland.

Thursday, November 03, 2011  Lee County Sheriff's deputies have arrested four people they say tried to throw contraband into the Lee Correctional Institute Thursday morning.

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.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010  U.S. Attorney Bill Nettles said Wednesday that the new charges against Melvin range from racketeering and drug conspiracy to money laundering and lying to agents.

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.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010  A man who said he owed his success as a drug dealer to a former South Carolina sheriff has signed an agreement to plead guilty.  Larry Williams' agreement to plead guilty to a federal drug conspiracy charge was filed Wednesday.

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, June 01, 2010  A special election is set to replace former Sheriff E.J. Melvin, who was indicted on federal drug charges.