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A Pickens County Sheriff’s deputy found himself on the wrong side of the law over the weekend after being arrested by the Easley Police Department. The charges against the deputy, 44-year-old Joseph Russell Williamson, include driving under the influence, hit-and-run, and possession with intent to distribute narcotics.
Upon learning about the arrest, Sheriff Tommy Blankenship took decisive action, terminating Williamson’s employment immediately. The sheriff’s decision came after he reviewed the initial evidence and charges surrounding the incident.
Sheriff Blankenship took to social media to address the citizens of Pickens County, underscoring his dedication to maintaining transparency within the department. He shared that he personally visited the Easley Police Department on the night of the arrest to assess the situation and examine the evidence firsthand.
“After evaluating the circumstances, I decided to terminate this deputy’s employment with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office that same evening,” Blankenship stated. “This swift action reflects our office’s commitment to accountability, which is not just expected but required.”
The incident unfolded on Saturday night, just before 9 p.m., when an Easley Police officer spotted a Ford F-150 that matched the description of a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run earlier on SC-8 at Fleetwood Drive in Easley.
Police began to investigate the vehicle and its occupant, later identified as Williamson.
During a search for Williamson’s driver’s license, officers realized he was a Pickens County deputy and requested a supervisor to respond to the scene.
Police then conducted a DUI investigation, during which multiple signs of impairment were observed. Based on his observations and sobriety tests, it was determined that Williamson’s ability to operate a vehicle was impaired, and he was arrested for DUI.
After Williamson was transported to the police department, officers located controlled substances in Williamson’s truck, which were secured for testing.
Williamson was charged with DUI, hit-and-run of an attended vehicle with property damage, possession with intent to distribute Schedule IV drugs and Narcotic drugs in Schedule I and II.
Citations were also issued for driving offenses, police added.
Sheriff Blankenship mentioned he also requested the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division conduct an additional investigation to ensure thoroughness and a lack of bias.
Blankenship also offered an apology to the Easley Police Department and the citizens of Pickens County.
“Situations like this damage the very trust that we work hard every day to build and I don’t take that lightly,” he said.
Williamson was booked into the Easley Police Department after his arrest. He has since been released on a $23,517 personal recognizance bond.