Goose Creek Mayor Gregory Habib and Police Chief L.J. Roscoe have filed a joint defamation lawsuit against James Bessinger (publisher of The Carolina Courier) and Jessica Crimi. The suit addresses a series of allegations published in Bessinger’s “investigative reports” and shared on social media starting August 2025, plus Crimi’s emails to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Bessinger called the lawsuit “frivolous” but noted it could lead to interesting discovery.
Key Allegations in the Lawsuit
The suit claims the following statements are false or made with reckless disregard for the truth:
- Chief Roscoe filed a false felony allegation against Officer J. Crimi (Charleston Aviation Authority).
- Roscoe hired Officer Cole Dreher due to nepotism, not merit.
- Mayor Habib stalks families and files false reports with his HOA.
- Roscoe was negligent/cruel in 1993 by assigning inmates based on sexuality.
- Roscoe participated in a 1993 inmate allegation cover-up.
- Roscoe was complicit in the hazing death of George Ward.
- Roscoe lost her Georgia POST certification.
- Roscoe is having an affair with Amanda Doss.
- Habib assaulted Bessinger.
- Habib is cheating on his wife.
- Roscoe drove drunk, hit a mailbox, and covered it up.
These span crimes like stalking, assault, negligence, and personal misconduct.
Legal Context in South Carolina
Defamation in SC requires proving a false statement of fact, published to a third party, causing harm, with negligence or “actual malice” (knowing falsity or reckless disregard) for public figures like a mayor and police chief. Public officials face a high bar under New York Times v. Sullivan (1964), needing to show actual malice.
- Strengths for plaintiffs: Specific, serious accusations (e.g., crimes, affairs) could qualify as defamation per se, presuming damages. If provably false via records (e.g., POST certification, police reports), this bolsters the case.
- Defenses for defendants: First Amendment protections for journalism; truth as absolute defense; opinion vs. fact distinction. Bessinger’s statement frames his work as investigation, potentially claiming good-faith inquiry.
- Next steps: Discovery could reveal evidence like emails, witnesses, or retractions. SC courts handle these via circuit court; venue likely Berkeley County.
Similar cases in SC include police defamation suits against media, often settling pre-trial (e.g., 2023 Charleston-area suits over officer misconduct claims).
Local Relevance
As a Lowcountry resident tracking public safety and civic issues, this fits ongoing Goose Creek scrutiny (pop. ~45,000, near your SC interests). It echoes regional tensions around police accountability, like recent Berkeley County policing debates. Track via Berkeley County court docket (berkeleycountysc.gov) or Post and Courier for updates—filing details should appear soon.
Investigation ongoing; no trial date yet. What aspect intrigues you most—legal strategy, background on allegations, or local impact?
