A Kingstree, S.C. town councilman has been arrested for allegedly stealing water and sewer service for himself – and a family member.
What can we say: This is the Palmetto State, people … where all sorts of things are kept in the family.
Councilman Chalmers “Bubba” Hammett Jr. and his father – former town councilman Chalmers Hammett Sr. – were both arrested by the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and appeared before a Williamsburg County (S.C.) magistrate this week.
“In July, I learned that an alleged illegal tap was made to the town’s water and wastewater service,” town manager Dan Wells said in a statement prior to the arrests. “The Town had no knowledge of the activity and the preliminary evidence gave us reason to believe that a crime had been committed. The property owner is listed as belonging to a public official. Upon learning that the public official knew of this alleged illegal tap and additionally an irrigation line that was unmetered for approximately 15 years at a relative’s property, I requested the assistance of SLED.”
Both Hammetts were reportedly hit with a misdemeanor utility theft charge and released on bond.
11 comments
Slow news day?
Anything that portrays any level of government in a bad light is big news for FITS.
If that were true, the internets wouldn’t be big enough.
Ever been there? It is amazing they didn’t steal the water and sewer plant.
Two cockroaches rip off water, get arrested, post bond and await trial
Multiple cockroaches rip off the State Pension fund, get big salaries plus a bonus on top of big salaries and then bitch they are misunderstood
There may be Justice in this World but it ain’t found its way to South Carolina
How much do you have to steal in South Carolina to get a felony rap?
In my area, a minimum use water bill runs about $25/month = $300/yr X15 = $4500
If one of the taps was for irrigation it was probably much more than $4,500.
Is Jody Barr working for Fits now?
Kingstree is a shithole of a town. Somehow this story doesn’t surprise me though, typical elected dickheads.
Would this not be one theft per billing cycle for each location?
Only in SC……