The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has launched an investigation into an alleged assault at Chapin Town Hall involving the town's newly-elected Mayor Bill Mitchell.
South Carolina Public Radio received confirmation about the investigation Friday morning. A SLED spokesperson says the agency received the request from the Chapin Police Department on Nov. 7 involving then-Mayor-elect Mitchell. SLED did not provide any additional information.
Mitchell was elected mayor earlier this month to succeed the late Mayor Al Koon, who died in October.
Media reports indicate that on the same day of the alleged assault, then mayor-elect Mitchell arrived at Chapin Town Hall to be sworn in early — contrary to town code which states successful candidates will take office at council's first regular meeting in January the following year.
In a Nov. 8 Facebook video, Mitchell said Koon's death, which occurred while he was on the November ballot, created "some unusual circumstances that we find ourselves in today, that we have never found ourselves in in all the years we've existed as an incorporated town."
Mitchell said town ordinances do not address a situation where an office becomes vacant because of a death.
Responding on Thursday to the investigation, Mitchell told WIS, "I think the truth is going to come out, and it's going to be great."
"Sometimes these things happen, and sometimes you just have to work through the proper measures," he added to the outlet.
South Carolina Public Radio will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as available.