Goose Creek Mayor Gregory Habib and Police Chief L.J. Roscoe filed a defamation lawsuit against James Bessenger and Jessica Crimi over false social media claims from August 2025 alleging crimes, misconduct, and personal immorality.​
Key Allegations
The suit cites over a dozen screenshots of posts accusing Roscoe of nepotism in hiring, involvement in a 1993 inmate hazing death cover-up, losing her Georgia POST certification, an affair, and drunk driving incidents, while claiming Habib stalked residents, assaulted Bessenger, and cheated on his wife.​
Lawsuit Context
These claims reportedly stemmed from Bessenger’s announced “investigative report” on the Goose Creek Police Department, possibly linked to Crimi’s 2022 traffic citations; attorney Roy Willey emphasizes it’s about accountability for lies, not silencing speech, with no public funds involved.​
Responses
Habib and Roscoe stress protecting their reputations built through public service, while Bessenger calls the suit frivolous after months of seeking comment.
