PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. – A deputy with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office was arrested over the weekend by the Easley Police Department on several charges, including DUI, hit and run, and drug-related offenses. Following the arrest, Sheriff Tommy Blankenship immediately terminated the deputy’s employment.
Deputy Arrested Following Hit-and-Run Investigation
The former deputy, identified as 44-year-old Joseph Russell Williamson, was arrested on Saturday, May 2, shortly before 9 p.m. Easley police said an officer spotted a Ford F-150 matching the description of a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash on SC-8 near Fleetwood Drive.
Officers stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Williamson. During the investigation, police discovered he was employed as a deputy with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, prompting supervisors to respond to the scene.
DUI Investigation and Drug Charges
Police conducted a DUI investigation after observing several signs of impairment. According to authorities, sobriety tests indicated Williamson’s ability to safely operate a vehicle was impaired, leading to his arrest for driving under the influence.
After he was taken to the police department, officers searched the truck and reportedly found controlled substances inside the vehicle. The substances were secured for testing.
Williamson now faces multiple charges, including:
- DUI
- Hit and run involving an attended vehicle with property damage
- Possession with intent to distribute Schedule IV drugs
- Possession with intent to distribute narcotic drugs in Schedule I and II
Police also issued several traffic citations related to the incident.
Sheriff Responds to Incident
Sheriff Tommy Blankenship addressed the incident publicly through social media, stressing the importance of accountability within the sheriff’s office.
“Based on what I observed, I made the decision to terminate this deputy’s employment with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office that same evening,” Blankenship said. “That action was taken swiftly because accountability within this office is not optional. It is expected.”
Blankenship also confirmed he requested the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to conduct an independent investigation to ensure transparency and avoid any appearance of bias.
Public Apology and Release on Bond
The sheriff apologized to both the Easley Police Department and the citizens of Pickens County, saying incidents like this hurt the public trust law enforcement works hard to build.
Williamson was booked into the Easley City Police Department after his arrest. He has since been released on a $23,517 personal recognizance bond.
