Former Abbeville County Sheriff Charles Goodwin pleaded guilty to misconduct in office during a hearing on Friday in Greenville, SC.
Goodwin admitted to receiving cash “kickbacks” from county funds paid to a local auto shop from January 1998 until November 2011.
He also admitted to using the services of a South Carolina Department of Corrections inmate to work on person vehicles and property belonging to Goodwin and his family.
During court, Goodwin apologized to all those who supported him during his time in law enforcement.
“I’m grateful for the 39 years in law enforcement I was allowed to serve as a law enforcement officer, especially the 24 years as sheriff,” Goodwin said. “I thank them for their support over the years and even now.”
The judge sentenced Goodwin ten years suspended to five years probation and one hundred hours of community service. He must also pay a restitution of $4,445.
Abbeville County Coroner Ronnie Ashley will continue to serve as sheriff until the governor appoints an interim sheriff.
The interim sheriff will hold office until a special election can be held.
