Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office

05/28/2026

We had a great time at the 37th Annual Senior Citizens’ Luncheon. From Mrs. Scott’s Ugly Hat Contest to community leaders serving lunch, the day was all about connecting our seniors with helpful resources — and sharing plenty of smiles along the way.

05/22/2026

Ti’Yon Akeem Harriot was convicted by a Kershaw County jury in connection with a July 2022 drive-by shooting that killed 17-year-old Justice Rutherford and injured another juvenile.

Evidence presented at trial showed Harriot drove the vehicle used in the ambush while accomplices fired multiple rounds into the victims’ car along Highway 1.

Judge T.W. McGee sentenced Harriot to life in the South Carolina Department of Corrections for murder and 30 years for each count of attempted murder.

Further information in the comments below.

05/20/2026

Jeremy Lamont Taylor pleaded guilty to assault and battery, 1st degree; cruelty to a police dog or horse; failure to stop for blue lights, no injury or death - 1st offense; and possession of a stolen pistol in connection with the March 2024 shooting involving Richland County Sheriff's Department's K-9 Kobe.

Taylor fled from law enforcement, fired at K-9 Kobe, striking him, and aimed his weapon in the direction of an RCSD deputy.

Judge Heath Taylor sentenced the defendant to eight years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

After extensive veterinary treatment, including surgery on his forepaws, K-9 Kobe is recovering well and now enjoying a well-earned retirement.

Further information in the comments below.

05/15/2026

We are excited to welcome our summer law clerks and interns to the Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

This program provides students with hands-on experience in the judicial system while highlighting the importance of public service.

Throughout the summer, students will work alongside assistant solicitors and staff, gaining valuable insight into courtroom procedures and legal practice.

We are proud to support and mentor the next generation of legal and civic leaders. Please join us in welcoming our summer 2026 law clerks and interns.

04/29/2026

Troy Eugene Keitt Jr. has been convicted of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime in connection with a July 2022 drive-by shooting on an Elgin road along Highway 1.

Judge Chris Taylor sentenced Keitt to life in prison plus 65 years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

The shooting killed 17-year-old Justice Rutherford and wounded another juvenile during the ambush.

Full details in the comments below.

04/28/2026

A Richland County jury convicted Stanley Geter of voluntary manslaughter in the killing of his roommate, Dexter Gunter. Judge William McGee sentenced Geter to 25 years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

On Dec. 27, 2020, Geter repeatedly punched Gunter as he slept, mistakenly believing Gunter was having an affair with his girlfriend. Gunter died 21 days later from blunt-force head trauma.

Full details in the comments below.

04/20/2026

A flyer claiming to be from the South Carolina Circuit Court, Fifth Judicial Circuit, is currently circulating. It instructs recipients to send money via a QR code. This flyer is NOT affiliated with our office — it is a scam.

Please note that our office does not handle traffic court; we prosecute criminal cases in general sessions court.

We would never ask a defendant or community member to send money to our office via a QR code.

There is no hearing at the Richland County Judicial Center at 9:00 a.m. on April 21.

We urge you to disregard this flyer and share this message to help prevent others from falling victim to this scam.

04/17/2026

A Richland County jury convicted Ronnie Darnell Branch of criminal s*xual conduct with a minor in the second degree stemming from a June 2021 incident involving a 15-year-old victim.

Judge Jocelyn Newman sentenced Branch to 15 years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections. He is required to register as a s*x offender upon his release.

Full details in the comments below.

04/16/2026

William Wright III tried to kick in the front door of an apartment and fired his handgun 10 times into the residence.

Wright later pleaded guilty to attempted burglary first-degree, discharging a firearm into a dwelling, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

Judge Thomas W. McGee III sentenced him to 21 years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

Full details in the comments below.

04/15/2026

A Richland County jury convicted James Thompson of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime after he fatally shot a man at his mother’s home.

Thompson arrived at the house, confronted his mother’s acquaintance, and drew a stolen gun. He then shot the man five times.

The victim was declared dead at the hospital.

Judge Billy McGee presided over the trial. The court scheduled sentencing for a later date.

A Richland County jury convicted James Thompson of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.