Berkeley County Sheriff Wayne DeWitt has resigned

02.27.15

 

Over a month after his controversial DUI arrest, Berkeley County Sheriff Wayne DeWitt has resigned.

Dewitt feels he has cast a shadow over the Sheriff’s post, a position he has held for 20 years. His arrest on December 28 sparked a public outrage and cause many citizens to call for his resignation. Dewitt fled a crash site, attempting to evade police driving at 108 mph.

According to the Post and Courier, Dewitt said, “I know and understand the entire situation is the product of my own failures…as an elected official, as sheriff and as a person, I recognize that I must be held accountable. … I can no longer be an effective public servant regardless of how the legal process unfolds.”

Gov. Nikki Haley will eventually choose a replacement for Dewitt, although no prospects are known. Chief Deputy Rick Ollic, will assume the role until Haley makes her decision.

According to the Post and Courier, “Haley accepted DeWitt’s resignation and responded by writing in a letter that his “seat shall be filled in the manner according to law.” She has the authority to appoint his replacement until a special election can be held…“We’re still doing what we need to do to take care of the citizens of the county,” Ollic said. “It’s difficult when these things happen. But the important thing is to keep our employees moving in the right direction.”