Former Lexington County Councilman Arrested for Assault

News Summary

Former Lexington County councilman Billy R. Oswald has been arrested and charged with serious allegations, including second-degree assault and battery, and improper exposure. The incident reportedly occurred at his law office, leaving the community in shock. Allegations include inappropriate conduct towards a victim seeking legal assistance, with the added twist of an alleged bribe to drop the charges. Oswald’s legal troubles appear to be widening, given his history of misconduct and the recent suspension of his law license.

Former Lexington County Councilman Billy R. Oswald Arrested in Shocking Case

In a startling turn of events that has rocked the community, former Lexington County councilman Billy R. Oswald was arrested and charged with serious allegations, including assault and battery in the second degree and improper exposure in a lewd manner. This dramatic situation unfolded last Friday at Oswald’s law office located in the heart of West Columbia, and the details are quite shocking.

The Disturbing Allegations

The victim, who had recently reached out to Oswald seeking legal help, claims that during their interaction, he grossly *took advantage* of her. The allegations state that he fondled her breast and exposed his genitals without her consent, which is causing quite the stir surrounding this case. Such behavior, especially from someone who has held a position of public service, has left many in disbelief.

A Bizarre Twist

The plot thickened when the victim’s lawyer, Jack Cohoon, revealed to the court that there was an alleged attempt to bribe the victim to drop the charges. This unexpected development has raised eyebrows and added a layer of complexity to what is already a troubling situation. Meanwhile, Oswald’s attorney Jake Moore has stepped forward vigorously defending his client, asserting that Oswald maintains his innocence but firmly rejecting any claims of bribery.

Bond Hearing Outcomes

At a bond hearing shortly after the charges were filed, Oswald was granted a $4,500 surety bond, which unsurprisingly was paid by his wife. The implications of his release come with restrictions, including a strict order prohibiting him from making any form of contact with the alleged victim. This measure is in place to ensure the safety and peace of mind of the individual who came forward with these serious allegations.

Unfolding Legal Troubles

Interestingly, this recent charge against Oswald appears to be part of a broader pattern of legal problems. In court, it was shared that he has a history of legal issues, including a prior lawsuit from his former office manager concerning sexual misconduct. This lawsuit led to a hefty settlement of $71,000, further complicating his already tarnished public image.

Professional Consequences

Compounding the situation, Oswald’s law license was suspended earlier this year on January 4 due to unspecified misconduct, which was initiated following a request from the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. It’s clear that these recent events have sent shockwaves through the legal community and beyond.

A Career Filled with Promise

Oswald had a notable political career, previously serving as the South Carolina director for Gary Hart’s presidential campaign back in 1984. He also held various roles on local educational and health planning boards. However, despite his previous accomplishments, his political aspirations have not panned out as he hoped, with unsuccessful candidacies for state House seats in both 2016 and 2018, as well as a failed bid for a state senate seat last year.

What Lies Ahead

As the community watches this story unfold, it remains to be seen how these charges will impact not only Oswald’s legal standing but also his reputation and legacy. With the recent allegations, it is evident that the coming weeks will be crucial for Oswald and those involved. The court will likely continue to examine the circumstances surrounding these serious accusations, and the community will be eagerly awaiting developments as they arise.

Overall, this situation showcases how quickly someone’s public life can take a downward spiral, and it raises important questions about accountability and trust in public figures. As we follow this story, we can only hope for justice and transparency in the face of such disturbing allegations.

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Additional Resources

• WISTV: Lexington County Teacher Arrested
• WLTX: Former Lexington County Teacher Charged
• Lexington Chronicle: Teacher Charged
• ABC News 4: Teacher Charged with Assault
• Wikipedia: Assault (Crime)