While family and friends of Tom Sponseller prepare a candlelight vigil for the missing lobbyist, police in the Palmetto State’s capital city are reportedly pursuing a new lead connected to his mysterious disappearance.
Our sources would not elaborate as to what this “new lead” entailed – and calls to the Columbia police department and the S.C. Hospitality Association (where Sponseller serves as the president and CEO) were not immediately returned.
There’s obviously no shortage of rumors in this case, but out of respect for Sponseller and his family we’re not going to delve into any of these conspiracy theories unless they evolve into something substantive. Also, it’s important to note that at this point none of the unconfirmed theories we’ve heard have in any way impugned Sponseller’s integrity.
A graduate of The Citadel and a retired Air Force officer, Sponseller was last seen working at his downtown Columbia, S.C. office around noon on Saturday. According to his family, he never returned home and has failed to return their phone calls – which they say is highly unusual for him.
Sponseller’s car was discovered by police in its usual parking spot near his office on Lady Street (two blocks away from the State House) – and a search of the vehicle turned up nothing unusual. Police say Sponseller’s office was left intact, as well.
The 61-year-old lobbyist’s cell phone and wallet have not been retrieved.
Sponseller’s family has set up a Facebook page in an effort to spread the word about his disappearance, although police have reportedly declined offers by volunteers to form search parties.
At this point, we would like to remind our readers that anyone with information about Sponseller’s disappearance is urged to contact Midlands Crime Stoppers at (888) CRIME-SC or the Columbia Police Department at (803) 545-3500. Anonymous tips can also be emailed to Crimestoppers’ official website, or you can text “TIPSC” to “CRIMES” (274637) with any information you may have regarding Sponseller or any other missing person.
The S.C. Senate held a moment of silence in Sponseller’s honor on Wednesday. The candlelight vigil in his honor will be held on the steps of the S.C. State House on Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m.
Obviously, we continue to keep Tom and his family in our thoughts and prayers and urge all of our readers to do the same …
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By Peter February 22, 2012 at 3:40 pm
we’re not going to delve into any of these conspiracy theories unless they evolve into something substantive
Umm. Since when is this a FITS policy?
By ? February 22, 2012 at 4:56 pm
“Death” may have been a factor in tempering speculation.
By Thomas February 22, 2012 at 3:56 pm
I think there is a difference between a lot of the ying-yang bullshit political talk that goes on here and something like this, which is life and death and quite serious. This is a time where speculation should be withheld.
By JX February 22, 2012 at 5:02 pm
To Thomas: I’m with you. This isn’t about politics, religion, or any of the strange stuff I’ve seen on this site when folks are reacting to a story. It’s not about us, or Wil Folks. It’s about a man missing, and a frightened family.
By Peckerwood February 22, 2012 at 5:28 pm
I only come here for the speculation and rumors. Seems if it were robbery there would be a body nearby. Who would try to take a body out of there in broad daylight? So, he must have left with someone either against his will or voluntarily. Who would want to snatch him? Business or personal?
By Capt Crunch February 22, 2012 at 6:46 pm
Cannot imagine this is willful on his part or malicious. It is some kind of accident & he is in the building or very close. Use search parties & volunteers and check everything three times.
By I Call BS February 22, 2012 at 9:41 pm
Will has treated this situation very respectfully. First met Tom at the academy at an event. Very nice man. He’s got my prayers.
By fitsnews February 22, 2012 at 11:16 pm
We like Tom, too.
Where this is headed though is frightening.
-FITS
By Uncle Remus February 23, 2012 at 7:33 pm
Uncle Remus is suspicious of this entire case. What is going on here? Guy just disappears?
By Costello February 24, 2012 at 11:35 am
suicide?
By G Gordon Liddy February 24, 2012 at 10:46 pm
Let’s hope he is safe somewhere. Could he be protected by the feds as a witness in an investigation? Several of my friends who know him say he is a solid guy. Waiting and hoping.