Innocent until proven…
The Sun News reported that Atlantic Beach Mayor Retha Pierce has been indicted by the Horry County Grand Jury for a charge related to a hit and run accident. As a result, Governor Mark Sanford has suspended her from office. This undoubtedly will be hailed as a popular decision with most people.
The suspension period is until she is formally acquitted or convicted. How long this will take is anyone’s guess. Criminal cases can take over a year or more before going to trial. Evidently, Pierce plans to fight the charge.
I plan to stand while they continue to carry out this bogus charge against me. I did not leave the scene. I stopped.
Pierce has definitely had her fair share of problems within the last year. Her most recent was an arrest in Marion County for Driving Under the Influence. She steadfastly maintained her innocence of that charge too, despite the criticism from most people. Interestingly enough, the tests for alcohol and for drugs were negative. I do not know if that charge has been dismissed yet, but it should. I do not know if Pierce is guilty or innocent of this indictment, but I do know this. She is still entitled to the presumption of innocence and is, therefore, innocent until proven guilty.
