In Horry County, South Carolina, former Public Information Director Mikayla Moskov and police investigator Kelsey Manemeit are claiming that their recent resignations were prompted by sexual harassment from a now-retired administrator. The allegations are part of a broader sex scandal within the county’s administration.

Attorney Jonny McCoy has outlined a lawsuit that brings forward several severe accusations, including assault, defamation, wrongful termination, negligent supervision, and sexual harassment or discrimination.

The lawsuit targets Horry County, the Horry County Police Department, Deputy Horry County Administrator Randy Webster—who announced his retirement plans on October 17 and officially left on November 3—along with Horry County Police Chief Kris Leonhardt.

Moskov and Manemeit were among five employees who stepped down last week in connection to the alleged sex scandal. An internal investigation on October 27 revealed that Manemeit, along with Sgt. Torry Lewis, Det. Don Kobithen, and Lt. Misty Gore, breached the police department’s code of conduct.

“The situation here is nothing short of appalling,” McCoy expressed during a press conference held on Thursday, emphasizing the gravity of the allegations.

Randy Webster, Horry County allegations

The lawsuit alleges that Webster sexually harassed Manemeit and sent her text messages over five months. McCoy said Manemeit first became acquainted with Webster in 2021 when she moved across the street from him with her then-husband, an HCPD officer, whom she filed for divorce from in March 2025 after he allegedly cheated on her.

The 30-year-old Manemeit, who was a single mother at the time, started working with Webster, 61, in May 2025, and the alleged harassment immediately began, according to McCoy. Webster is accused of making unwanted physical contact with Manemeit n multiple occasions, including giving her “unwelcome kisses on the cheek.”

The lawsuit alleges that Manemeit made it clear to Webster that she was not interested in a romantic relationship with him, but he continued his pattern of inappropriate behavior. That’s when others noticed that “Webster seemed to be behaving inappropriately with Manemeit.”

Moskov made multiple statements to her superiors within Horry County about Webster’s behavior toward Manemeit and another female employee, the lawsuit says. County Administrator Barry Spivey was aware of Moskov’s concerns and Webster’s behavior.

Manemeit submitted a formal complaint about the sexual harassment to Horry County Human Resources on Oct. 16, according to the lawsuit, which is just one day before Webster announced his intention to retire. Webster cited health concerns for his decision.

The formal allegations against Webster in the lawsuit include sexual harassment and assault and battery of Manemeit. Webster has not been charged with any crimes.

Both Manemeit and Moskov allege that HCPD and Horry County failed to maintain a safe working environment and failed to train the Human Resources Department to “avoid retaliation against employees who [disclose] inappropriate behavior.”

Texts between Manemeit, Webster

Manemeit released a lengthy statement about the allegations against Webster, along with text messages between the two just days before she made the complaint to HR.

Oct. 12 text exchange between the two:

Webster: “I hope [your] day is going well. I do need to ask you a question. Maybe I am overthinking but I do sense that something is wrong. Are you feeling the need to distant yourself from me especially at work? If so please tell me. It is obvious that with our communication that things have been different over the past week. I don’t want to misinterpret anything. I need you as my friend to help me through everything just like I want to help you. Please tell me what is different so I can make adjustments if I need to.”

Manemeit: “Thanks, I hope your day is [too.] I don’t feel the need to distance myself from you but I have drawn back a little out of fear. There are times that comments are made that make me uneasy. I always want to make sure that our partnership both personally and professionally are not jeopardized and ensure conversations always remain respectful for that purpose and for the purpose of others. I am grateful for the mentorship and guidance you provide me. I also think our team is building a great thing and I want to continue to do that. I hope this makes sense and you understand where I am coming from.”

Kris Leonhardt, HCPD allegations

Leonhardt asked HCPD’s Office of Professional Standards to open an investigation into Manemeit’s relationship with Lewis — an investigation that, according to the lawsuit, “involved prying into Manemeit and Moskov’s private and personal lives.”

“OPS Investigators demand that Manemeit and Moskov provide information concerning their private sex lives,” the lawsuit reads. “Upon information and belief, the OPS investigation was based in part on a desire to whitewash the allegations against Webster by discrediting Manemeit.”

The lawsuit further alleges that the OPS investigation was based in part to retaliate against Moskov and Manemeit for voicing their concerns about Webster. Lewis, Kobithen, and Gore, were forced to resign as collateral damage of the investigation.

Moskov also alleges defamation against Leonhardt, saying the internal affairs report that detailed her alleged relationship with Lewis was exempt to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act because “the information of a personal nature where the public disclosure thereof would constitute unreasonable invasion of personal privacy.”

It further alleges the internal affairs report “mischaracterized a single encounter between Moskov and Lewis that did not result in intercourse as a ‘sexual relationship.’” Moskov believes Leonhardt publicly releasing the report was done maliciously.

What’s next

Moskov and Manemeit are seeking a jury trial, as well as judgment against the defendants for compensatory damages to be determined by a jury, punitive damages to be determined by a jury, costs for attorneys’ fees and other relief the court may deem proper and just.

News13 stopped by Webster’s residence on Thursday to ask for a comment, but no one answered the door.