More Chesterfield Co. public officials accused of using inmates for personal gain

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, S.C. — Two high-level Chesterfield County employees are now indicted in a case that's linked to similar charges against suspended Sheriff Sam Parker.

The attorney general's office tells Channel 9 that the cases against Harold Hainey and Ritchie Rollins are a part of the same investigation that led to charges against Parker in March.

According to the grand jury indictment, detention center director Rollins used prison inmates for his own personal gain.

Rollins is accused of "failing to properly supervise inmates" and "using the inmate to work on personal property." The indictment claims the crimes happened between January 2003 and August 2012.

The indictment accuses Hainey of "having an inmate work on vehicles and property," "taking money from an inmate in exchange for certain favors for the inmate, to include relaxed supervision" and "engaging in business deals with an inmate for personal profit."

It happened, according to the indictment, between March 2004 and August 2012 when Hainey worked as a lieutenant and a captain with the sheriff's office. That was before he became assistant county manager, and director of emergency management. Both men are charged with misconduct in office.

Three months ago, Parker was also indicted for a long list of similar offenses and charged with misconduct in office.

The indictment said two inmates, William Skipper and Michael Lee were improperly supervised, or not at all, and were allowed to live outside the jail at the county's armory.

Investigators said for three to five years they drove sheriff's office vehicles, ate out, went shopping, visited friends -- often out-of-state -- wore personal clothes instead of prison clothes, had bank accounts, ate and vacationed with the sheriff and his family, and had access to drugs, guns and alcohol.

In exchange for those freedoms they refurbished the armory, built a rec building at the sheriff's house, decorated and cooked for private parties Parker hosted, prepared meals for him, and gave him gifts.

Some county residents were bothered hearing news of more corruption charges against local officials.

"They work for each other. They don't work for the people, they don't help the people, none of that," said Lester Chambers.

Another woman who didn't want to give her name said she'll think the best until the cases go to court.

"Until they actually convict them, and finally prove that they actually done it, then I don't believe it," she said.

On Thursday, Channel 9 contacted all nine Chesterfield County council members, the current Sheriff Rob Lee and County Manager Denise Douglas.

None were available to speak on camera about the charges. County officials would not say whether anyone had been appointed to fill in on the jobs that both men held, or comment on their employment status.

Hainey and Rollins could serve up to 10 years in prison if convicted. They each made a first appearance in court in Columbia on Thursday afternoon.

WSOC