Controversy Erupts in Blythewood as Newly Hired Administrator Faces Investigation

Controversy Strikes Blythewood with New Administrator Investigated

The small town of Blythewood, located just 18 miles north of Columbia, is in the spotlight once again after recent developments regarding its newly hired deputy administrator. Tiffany Cooks, who was appointed on November 21, 2024, is currently under investigation by the state Law Enforcement Division (SLED) due to her previous role as Williamsburg County supervisor.

The Voice of Blythewood & Fairfield County revealed that Cooks has been under investigation since February 2023. This investigation was initiated by her successor in Williamsburg County, Kelvin Washington, sparking a wave of scrutiny in Blythewood.

Cooks Steps Back from New Position

In light of these developments, Tiffany Cooks has decided not to take on the role she was hired for in Blythewood. Mayor Sloan Griffin released a statement highlighting that Cooks, along with her family and supporters, is enduring unwarranted suffering due to the allegations that have surfaced.

“These baseless accusations – made in connection to a Williamsburg County request for SLED to investigate a claim – have created an atmosphere of judgment and speculation,” Griffin expressed. “This type of rhetoric jeopardizes reputations and threatens livelihoods.”

Questionable Overtime Payments

As part of her tenure in Williamsburg County, Cooks is also facing scrutiny over questionable overtime payments. Between being elected in 2018 and 2022, reports suggest she received over $100,000 in overtime pay. Her re-election bid in 2022 did not go as planned, as she lost to her challenger, Kelvin Washington, who is not only her successor but also the one who called for the SLED investigation.

A Historic Figure in Local Government

Despite the controversy, it’s important to note that Tiffany Cooks made history when she took office in Williamsburg County at the beginning of 2019, becoming the first African American woman to serve as a county supervisor in South Carolina. A statement from Blythewood during her hiring noted her impressive credentials, which include a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, a master’s in business administration, and a Ph.D. in philosophy. Notably, she also served as a military police officer. Cooks was scheduled to begin her new position on January 13, 2025.

Blythewood’s Legal Drama Continues

Interestingly, this investigation comes at a time when Blythewood is already grappling with legal issues. Earlier this year, the town reached a settlement with MPA Strategies, a local marketing firm, after a lengthy dispute over a contract.

The controversy surrounding MPA Strategies escalated in 2021 when the council had disagreements regarding the company’s contract, leading to accusations of unethical behavior aimed at the firm’s CEO, Ashley Hunter. Hunter responded by filing a defamation lawsuit, claiming that former Mayor Bryan Franklin made insinuations about her relationships and professional conduct. This suit is still ongoing.

In December 2023, the town agreed to pay MPA Strategies $36,000 to settle the Freedom of Information request case filed by Hunter. All of this legal wrangling has reportedly cost the town almost $1 million in legal fees, emphasizing the turbulent nature of governance in Blythewood during this timeframe.

The Road Ahead for Blythewood

As the town navigates through these troubled waters, community members are left wondering how this will impact the local government’s future. With a new deputy administrator unable to step into the role, the citizens of Blythewood are keenly watching how things will unfold and if the town can regain its stability.

Everyone in this close-knit community hopes for swift resolutions to these matters as Blythewood seeks to move forward in a positive direction.