UPDATE: Eichor Seeks Criminal Probe of Councilwoman Lawrence, Grounsell

Simpsonville Mayor Perry Eichor on Monday formally requested the state investigate fired police chief Keith Grounsell and Council member Geneva Lawrence, alleging the pair conspired illegally to fire a police officer in order to hire Lawrence's son-in-law. 

Eichor's request comes amid a firestorm of controversy surrounding the Dec. 28 firing of Grounsell who, in addition to his numerous and vocal supporters, has alleged that the city terminated him after his repeated attempts to reform the city's police department. Both Grounsell and Lawrence disputed Eichor's claims of impropriety Monday night and told Patch the mayor's charges were unfounded and malicious.

"I take it with a grain of salt, because none of it is true," Lawrence told Patch. She added that the mayor's request was "a diversionary tactic" to deflect the heated and intense criticism that continues to surround Grounsell's firing. Lawrence said she welcomed the SLED investigation. "If he wants to bring in SLED, fine.... There is nothing to it," she said, in reference to Eichor's claims. 

Eichor sees things differently, however. At a press conference in his City Hall office, the mayor said he had sent a formal letter to the S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on Monday asking for an official investigation into the matter. Eichor said the alleged conspiracy came to light after various Freedom of Information requests for documents that followed Grounsell's firing by Council in a 5-2 vote. Lawrence, along with Council member Sylvia Lockaby, were the sole Council members who voted to retain Grounsell.

Eichor alleged the documentation showed that Grounsell terminated a police officer in good standing, and violated other hiring protocols, in order to make way for Lawrence's son-in-law, Allen Foltz. Eichor also alleged that Lawrence used her position as a Council member, and as a friend of Grounsell's, to make it happen. 

Further, Eichor alleged Grounsell took steps to expunge the criminal record of Foltz, whom he alleged had been charged with a DUI while serving as an officer with the Mauldin Police Department.

"It appears Council member Lawrence and Keith Grounsell were working together to circumvent the law so as to hire Lawrence's relative, who left the police department in Mauldin after being charged with driving under the influence," Eichor said.

"I am appalled at this behavior. Ms. Lawrence should know better...." Eichor said. "These are the same people who have accused others of conspiracies, cover-ups and unethical activities."

Eichor added: "...This pains me greatly and is a disappointment because it appears that the 'Good Ol Boy' system is still in effect. Myself, and several other Council members, vow that it will stop. Simpsonville needs to move on, but regrettably it cannot do so until this issue is put to rest."

Lawrence told Patch that her son-in-law had only been arrested for refusing to consent to a sobriety test, and ultimately was only convicted for a speeding violation. She also said her son-in-law appeared on-track to join the city police department before the end of the month.

Lawrence said her son-in-law went through the standard hiring process to earn the job. "There was four people on the hiring committee, not just Keith," she said. "And I didn't get involved in it." 

Despite the allegations put forth Monday, Eichor offered no direct evidence of any alleged wrongdoing, saying it would be up to SLED to investigate the claims — if they even decide to. He also said he could not yet provide the letter he sent to SLED requesting the investigation, which outlines his allegations in more detail.

As for Eichor's claims, Grounsell told Patch they were false.

"I can't comment until I sit down with my attorney," Grounsell told Patch via text message. "I would love to talk, but now they are making up false accusations of a malicious and illegal nature. This changes everything. At first it was just slander, but now it is filing false criminal accusations against myself and another elected official.

"It is sad," he continued, "that people in public trust positions abuse their powers to this extreme. When the truth comes out the city will be embarrassed at what some elected officials have said and done throughout this process."