Sheriff Indicted For Providing Inmates With Alcohol And Women

A South Carolina sheriff has been indicted for providing inmates with alcohol and women. Chesterfield County Sheriff Sam Parker is accused of allowing selected inmates privileges in exchange for repair work on his home.

The 20-page indictment charged the sheriff with two counts of providing inmates with contraband and four counts of misconduct in office. In addition to the alcohol and women, Parker is accused of allowing the two inmates to leave county property.

As reported by GoUpstate.com, the sheriff invited the inmates to his home for holidays, took them on family vacations, and allowed them to drive county vehicles unsupervised.

Inmate Michael Lee is serving a 15 year sentence for arson, and William Skipper was sentenced to seven years for drug trafficking.

Officials report that the Parker provided both men with a television and alcohol. Michael Lee was also reportedly given a grill, refrigerator, and an iPad.

The inmates were reportedly allowed special privileges as they repaired and maintained Parker’s home.

As reported by Fox Charlotte, the indictment further accuses the sheriff of using county money to purchase a boat and keeping county property, including a four wheeler, at his home.

The South Carolina sheriff has been indicted and suspended from duty. He and his attorney maintain that the violations were simply a misunderstanding of county policy.

Parker’s attorney Johnny Gasser asserts that his client is not guilty of misconduct. Gasser points out that sheriffs in rural counties have historically used the unusual reward system.

He believes the details have been exaggerated as inmate Lee is seeking revenge. Parker allegedly caught Lee stealing from his home and sent him to a state correctional facility.

Gasser states that Parker has a clean record and has never been criticized for his methods or treatment of inmates. Parker has worked in law enforcement for nearly 40 years.

Due to the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s indictment and suspension, coroner Kip Kiser has been appointed to temporarily fill the position.