Laurens County GOP Calls On Sheriff To Step Down; Sheriff's Attorney Responds

Republican bosses in Laurens County say it's time for Sheriff Ricky Chastain to go. Party Chairman Bobby Smith said the executive committee voted Monday night to call on Chastain to resign.

Smith said Chastain violated the party's ethical values.

"The fact that there was an affair, I understand that's a private matter, but it became public when he took the lady to North Carolina in a public vehicle to have an abortion," Smith said.

A 7 On Your Side investigation uncovered this scandal earlier this month.

Smith said the idea for a resolution was discussed just a few days before Monday's scheduled meeting. He said they looked at three options:

-Do nothing

-Pass a resolution to censure Chastain

-Call for Chastain to resign

"All of it is just a slap on the wrist," said Smith. "A censure vote is a slap on the wrist. A call for resignation appears to be a stronger statement, however the party cannot force him to resign, the party cannot keep him from running for Republican in the upcoming election."

We tried to talk to Sheriff Chastain in person, by phone and email but he didn't return our messages.

Chastain's attorney, Russell Harter, told us he would not comment during a pending legal claim.

7 On Your Side was first to show you the suit against Chastain. In it, Chastain's mistress, Haley Manley, accuses Chastain of forcing her out of her job because she refused to have an abortion.

Attorney John Reckenbeil represents Manley.

"If the Sheriff resigns it will take a portion of the case away because we have actually asked the judge to correct the situation that ultimately led to Haley losing her job," said Reckenbeil. "He can either resign right now and save a portion of the lawsuit that will be dismissed or let 12 people decide at Laurens County whether or not he has violated federal law."

The Laurens County Republican Party chairman says Chastain tells him he will stay in office and plans to run for re-election.

"I think his actions will impact his chances at re-election," said Smith. "The voters will have the final say in November of next year."

Chastain has been the sheriff in Laurens County since 2000.

• Click here to read more about the lawsuit filed by Manley and her allegations against Chastain.
• Click here to read the text of the lawsuit
• Click here to find out more about Chastain

Read the full resolution from the Laurens County GOP below:

Adopted on 6/27/2011 at the June Executive Committee Meeting of the Laurens County Republican Party
Whereas, the Laurens County Republican Party adheres to a set of core principles and beliefs, primarily but not exclusively expressed in the South Carolina Republican Party’s Platform; and
Whereas, the revelations regarding Sheriff Chastain’s private and public conduct demonstrate repeated failures to act in accordance with these core principles and beliefs; and
Whereas, Sheriff Chastain’s conduct, in addition to falling below the standards expected of Republican elected officials, has breached the public’s trust and confidence in his ability to effectively perform the duties of his office; and
Whereas, a formal admonishment by the Laurens County Republican Party is appropriate and necessary;
Therefore, be it resolved, that the Laurens County Republican Party does call for the resignation of Sheriff Ricky Chastain for his recent conduct.