A special election will be held in Hanahan, South Carolina, after a city council member resigned following federal child exploitation charges.
Hanahan Council Member Resigns After Federal Charges
Kevin Phillip Hedgpeth, 48, resigned from the Hanahan City Council and his role as mayor pro tempore after being charged with possession and production of child sexual abuse material.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, investigators identified Hedgpeth as a member of an online forum allegedly involved in selling child sexual abuse material.
Federal Investigation Details Allegations
Authorities said the investigation found Hedgpeth allegedly paid minors, including some from the Charleston area, in exchange for explicit photos and videos.
Investigators also accused him of communicating directly with children and directing them to create and send explicit content for money.
Hanahan Announces Special Election
Following Hedgpeth’s resignation, the Hanahan City Council appointed Councilman Adam Spurlock as the new mayor pro tempore.
Spurlock has served on the City Council since 2020 and is also a pastor at Restoration Community Church in Hanahan.
Election Scheduled for July
Officials said candidate filing for the special election opens May 8 and closes at noon on May 18.
Candidates must submit a Statement of Candidacy and pay a $150 filing fee.
The special election is scheduled for July 14.
