CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. — Gov. Henry McMaster issued an executive order suspending Chester County Councilman John Agee from office following criminal charges of conspiracy and misconduct.
The suspension prevents Agee from acting as a councilman while his legal case proceeds.
The Chester County Council commissioned an internal review by a third-party investigative company using county funds to examine allegations involving Agee and local fire officials.
The council announced it will release the internal review’s findings and recommendations at a public meeting on Sept. 21.
South Carolina’s attorney general announced charges against former Richburg Fire Chief Stewart T. Melton and former Lt. Zachary Gibson.
The two former fire officials are accused of misusing Hurricane Helene relief money and misrepresenting the department’s response efforts.
Investigators said Melton also obtained police cars from the state surplus under the claim that they were intended for the fire department.
Instead, Melton sold the vehicles to Agee for personal use, leading to conspiracy charges against both Agee and Melton.
Agee’s seat was vacant at a recent council meeting following the suspension order.
Constituents seeking assistance are directed to contact at-large council members or other representatives, as council members represent the entire county.
Local community member Jessie McWaters attended school with Agee and expressed interest in learning more about the allegations.
“Well, I guess I’d like to know what all went on. But I’ve known Agee all his life, not all mine, but went to school with him,” McWaters said.
Council members emphasized that the public has a right to review the investigation’s findings. Councilman Corey Guy noted that county funds financed the third-party report.
“The investigative company, um, they were paid for by public funds, county funds, and the public deserves to see what the product that they pay for,” Guy said.
The Chester County Council will present the findings and recommendations of the third-party internal review at a meeting on Sept. 21. Agee is scheduled to run for re-election in November.
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