Kaleb Thomas Besancon, aged 19, of Lexington, recently pleaded guilty on January 24, 2024, to serious charges in Lexington County. This includes one count of Armed Robbery and one count of Burglary Second Degree Violent stemming from separate incidents. Circuit Court Judge William P. Keesley oversaw the guilty plea andContinue Reading
David James Hall, age 36, pled guilty January 8. Hall’s trial was to begin that morning, however, he decided to plead guilty before selecting a jury. Circuit Court Judge Walton J. McLeod, IV, sentenced Hall to 15 years for two counts of Attempted Murder, Domestic Violence of a High andContinue Reading
Multiple awards presented during annual banquet in mid-December By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Sheriff Leon Lott and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department presented scores of awards in multiple categories both to deputies and civilian employees of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) during the department’s annual Christmas Awards Banquet atContinue Reading
A Lexington County deputy, who endured a harrowing incident in the line of duty, has been honored with the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association’s Medal of Valor. Deputy Jacob Smith, who bravely confronted danger while responding to a home invasion in Lexington last September, was the deserving recipient of this distinguishedContinue Reading
Irmo Fire District received a recent gift of four stunning canvases honoring the memory of fallen Firefighter J. Michael Muller. The craftsmanship and thoughtfulness put into each artwork are awe-inspiring. Matthew White with Cambridge Company Framing, Sheila Earnest with Professional Printers, and Kathy Morganelli produced these memorial pieces. Their hardContinue Reading
Looking for a furry companion to brighten your days? Columbia Animal Services has the perfect opportunity for you! Until January 31, they are hosting the New Year New Best Friend Adoption Special, allowing you to adopt a pet for just $1. This incredible adoption special is available throughout the monthContinue Reading
Brandan Lamont Richardson, a 35-year-old validated gang member, faced the verdict of a Lexington County jury on Thursday, January 11, 2024. The jury convicted Richardson on charges of Trafficking Methamphetamine over 100 grams, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine. Presiding over theContinue Reading
In a recent development, Tarik Shiggs, a 41-year-old resident of Chapin, has been apprehended by Lexington County narcotics agents on various drug-related charges. The arrest took place last month, following the discovery of a substantial quantity of methamphetamine and fentanyl inside Shiggs’ residence. The charges against Shiggs include trafficking methamphetamine,Continue Reading
National security analyst briefs law enforcement leaders By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Kyle Shideler, director and senior analyst for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security at the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Security Policy, delivered a series of counterriot briefings to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at the department’s Denny Terrace Training Facility.Continue Reading
Open Letter Dear Editor, I am a 30 year Irmo resident, and I am writing because I’m very concerned about our children’s education. I am a lifelong advocate for education, a former teacher, and a long-time resident of South Carolina. Working with my grandchildren has opened my eyes to the factContinue Reading
The Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center invites local business leaders to join their monthly Business Over Breakfast event on January 9, focusing on the theme “Navigating the Economic Landscape: Thoughts on the Road Ahead for South Carolina.” The featured speaker for this insightful session is Nicole Cervi, an Economist withContinue Reading
As the holiday season unfolds, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has a unique celebration of its own with the arrival of Susan, a Giant Pacific Octopus, to the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center (ARCC). Almost nine months after the grand opening of the ARCC, theContinue Reading
Lavon Bernard Julius, age 43, originally from Columbia, was convicted Wednesday afternoon by a Lexington County jury, after approximately thirty minutes of deliberations, for the Murder of Zeloni Ellison, age 15. The trial began on Monday, December 11, 2023, with jury selection. The Honorable Walton J. McLeod, IV, presided overContinue Reading
In an incident that unfolded on Loveless Lane in Chapin, 23-year-old Cameron Thomas Hinckley has been apprehended by Lexington County deputies, facing charges of attempted murder, first-degree burglary, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, as detailed in the arrest warrants. Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon provided anContinue Reading
Lexington County was rocked by tragedy on Wednesday afternoon when a father and son, identified as Ryan Jordan Lindler Sr., 52, and Ryan Jordan Lindler Jr., 26, were arrested and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. The charges stem from their alleged involvement inContinue Reading
Record-setting Sheriff’s Department welcomes holiday shoppers in northeast Columbia By W. Thomas Smith Jr. FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) – primarily RCSD’s command staff and members of RCSD’s Community Action Team – were outContinue Reading