Chapin SC, January 10, 2026
The State Law Enforcement Division has closed its case against Chapin Mayor Bill Mitchell regarding an alleged assault, deciding not to file any charges. The investigation arose from a complaint by a town employee concerning an incident at Town Hall shortly after Mitchell’s election. Following this situation, Mitchell has enacted significant changes within the town government, marking a period of transition for Chapin.
Chapin
SLED Concludes Investigation into Chapin Mayor Bill Mitchell, No Charges Filed
The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has closed its investigation into Chapin Mayor Bill Mitchell regarding an alleged assault, with no charges being filed against the mayor. This development comes approximately 18 hours ago, following an alleged incident that a town employee spoke out about. The closure of the investigation marks a significant update to a situation that has drawn public attention since late last year.
Details of the Allegation and Investigation
The investigation by SLED stemmed from an alleged assault that reportedly occurred on November 7, 2025, at Chapin Town Hall. This was days after Bill Mitchell was elected and on the same day he reportedly arrived at town hall expecting to be sworn in. A Chapin clerk of court had previously accused the new mayor of assault in December 2025, with reports indicating she alleged Mitchell “grabbed her by both shoulders.” The town clerk and then-Town Administrator Nicholle Burroughs reportedly entered the police department, which is in the same building as town hall, where the clerk filed a formal complaint. The Chapin Police Department forwarded the complaint to SLED due to a potential conflict of interest, as the case involved the mayor who oversees the police department.
SLED was requested by the Chapin Police Department to investigate the alleged assault. Throughout the investigation, Mayor Mitchell had not commented on the specifics of the allegations, but had previously stated that he had “full confidence in our legal system and hope for a prompt resolution.” The town itself had affirmed its cooperation with the ongoing SLED investigation, stating a commitment to transparency.
Context of Mayor Mitchell’s Early Tenure
The alleged incident and subsequent SLED investigation occurred during a period of significant transition for the town of Chapin under Mayor Mitchell’s leadership. Mitchell was elected mayor on November 4, 2025, winning with 68 percent of the vote, replacing the late Mayor Al Koon. His victory came under unusual circumstances, as Mayor Koon had passed away shortly before the election, yet his name remained on the ballot.
Shortly after taking office, Mayor Mitchell initiated a restructuring of the town government. In late November 2025, the Chapin Town Council unanimously voted to eliminate the position of Town Administrator, a role Nicholle Burroughs had held since 2022. This decision was part of Chapin’s transition to its first full-time mayor, with Mitchell indicating he would take a more active role in running the town. Mitchell had campaigned on the idea of eliminating this position and taking a more direct leadership role.
In addition to the organizational changes, Mayor Mitchell also issued an immediate pause on new sewer tap permits and connections in mid-November 2025, citing a need for a comprehensive review of the sewer system’s capacity, maintenance, and growth projections. This action was also a commitment he promoted during his campaign.
SLED’s Role in Citizen Complaints
The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is dedicated to receiving and accepting complaints regarding the actions and performance of its personnel. While SLED’s internal complaint process is specifically for complaints against SLED agents, it also investigates matters at the request of local law enforcement agencies when conflicts of interest arise, such as in the Chapin mayor’s case. SLED emphasizes thorough and impartial investigations to maintain public confidence. The agency has policies, like Policy 1-12 Internal Affairs, that outline methods for recording, registering, and controlling investigations of complaints against employees of the Chapin Police Department.
Investigations of complaints are typically required to be completed within 180 days from their receipt, although extensions can be made if circumstances prevent timely completion. Upon the conclusion of an investigation, SLED’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) evaluates the findings. SLED’s mission includes providing quality manpower and technical assistance to all law enforcement agencies and conducting professional investigations on behalf of the State of South Carolina.
Further Employment Issues in Chapin
Beyond the mayor’s investigation, the Town of Chapin has also been addressing other employment-related matters. In late December 2025, the Chapin Town Council voted to hire an employment attorney to investigate unspecified “employment issues,” following a closed-door executive session. This move followed the earlier decision to eliminate the Town Administrator position, further indicating a period of significant changes in the town’s operational structure and personnel management.
FAQ
What was the outcome of the SLED investigation into Chapin Mayor Bill Mitchell?
The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has closed its investigation into Chapin Mayor Bill Mitchell regarding an alleged assault, and no charges will be filed against the mayor.
When did the alleged incident involving Mayor Mitchell occur?
The alleged incident reportedly occurred on November 7, 2025, at Chapin Town Hall, the same day Mayor-elect Mitchell arrived expecting to be sworn in.
Who made the complaint against Mayor Mitchell?
A town employee spoke out about the alleged assault. Previous reports indicated a Chapin clerk of court accused the new mayor of assault, alleging he “grabbed her by both shoulders.”
Why did SLED investigate the matter instead of local police?
The Chapin Police Department forwarded the complaint to SLED due to a potential conflict of interest, as the case involved the mayor who oversees the police department.
What other significant changes has Mayor Mitchell implemented since taking office?
Since taking office, Mayor Mitchell oversaw the elimination of the Town Administrator position in late November 2025, transitioning Chapin to its first full-time mayor model. He also implemented an immediate pause on new sewer tap permits and connections.
Key Features of the Chapin Mayor Investigation
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Investigation Subject | Chapin Mayor Bill Mitchell | State-level |
| Investigating Agency | State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) | State-level |
| Outcome | Investigation closed, no charges filed | State-level |
| Alleged Incident Date | November 7, 2025 | State-level |
| Allegation Type | Alleged assault by “grabbing shoulders” | State-level |
| Complainant | Town employee (Chapin clerk of court) | State-level |
| Reason for SLED Involvement | Conflict of interest for local police | State-level |
| Mayor’s Election Date | November 4, 2025 | State-level |
| Town Administrator Position | Eliminated in November 2025 by Town Council | State-level |
| Mayor’s Role Change | Transition to Chapin’s first full-time mayor | State-level |
| Sewer Permit Policy | Immediate pause on new sewer tap permits and connections | State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
