Saluda sheriff is indicted for misusing inmate labor

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http://www.thestate.com/2012/06/14/2316708/saluda-sheriff-is-indicted-for.html

Thursday, Jun. 14, 2012

Booth resigns; he is accused of misusing inmate labor for five years

By JOHN MONK - [e-mail]

Saluda County Sheriff Jason Booth resigned his office Thursday after being indicted by the State Grand Jury on charges he used a state prison inmate for five years to work on his private property.

The public-corruption indictment says that Booth, a former Lexington County deputy, committed misconduct in office by using the inmate from 2006 to 2011.

The indictment against Booth, who was first elected in 2000, gives few other details. The charge is a misdemeanor that carries a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Gov. Nikki Haley, who called the matter an “unfortunate situation,” is expected to name an interim sheriff today.

[sabrina 1]

1. He used to be a Democrat but turned Republican in 2004.