Midlands Mayor Subject of SLED Investigation - FITSNews

There’s drama brewing in Chapin, South Carolina, as the town’s newly elected mayor, Bill Mitchell, has become the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation by the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Mitchell, who won the mayoral election on November 4, 2025, found himself under scrutiny following an incident that allegedly occurred just three days after his victory. The Chapin Police Department requested the investigation after Mitchell reportedly showed up at the town hall insisting on being sworn in earlier than his official term start date, which was set for January 2026. The previous mayor, Al Koon, had recently passed away on October 17, 2025, while running for re-election. This sudden vacancy seems to have complicated the transition of power. According to reports, Mitchell was undeterred by the official timeline and pushed to assume office immediately. When he was eventually sworn in, he told local media, "We are moving forward with this and there is nothing that’s going to stop us." SLED confirmed it opened an investigation on November 7, 2025, following a request by the Chapin Police Department concerning an alleged assault involving Mitchell at the town hall on the same day. Renée Wunderlich, SLED's public information director, made this announcement during the week. Meanwhile, the town issued a statement affirming its full commitment to transparency and truth throughout the investigation. Officials made clear they are cooperating fully and will provide updates as appropriate, emphasizing their dedication to serving the community with honesty. The situation escalated further when the town council convened a special meeting behind closed doors to address various matters including criminal misconduct allegations, legal claims, and personnel issues related to the case. Chapin, a small but rapidly growing town with around 2,000 residents, is known as the "capital of Lake Murray" and has a rich history dating back to its incorporation in 1889. FITSNews, the outlet reporting on this, has filed a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain any incident reports connected to the alleged assault. The ongoing investigation has captured local attention, raising questions about the political transition and legal ramifications for the town’s leadership. Bill Mitchell, who stepped into the spotlight under these contentious circumstances, now faces the challenge of proving his capability to lead amidst the cloud of legal scrutiny. The town’s commitment to transparency will surely be tested in the coming weeks as more details emerge. Meanwhile, residents and political observers alike watch closely, awaiting clarity on both the nature of the allegations and the future governance of Chapin. Will Folks, the founding editor of FITSNews and a former press secretary to the governor of South Carolina, continues to report on this developing story from the Midlands region, where he lives with his family.