The 2020 race for sheriff of Florence County, South Carolina was always going to be a crowded, contentious affair … and that was before the incumbent got indicted on public corruption charges.
The ongoing fall from grace of Florence sheriff Kenney Boone has seen any number of seismic aftershocks … the latest being a decision by his former top deputy (and the officer who allegedly turned him in) to run as a candidate against him.
Remember, even after being indicted on criminal charges Boone is still sheriff.
Despite facing two counts of embezzlement and one count of misconduct in office, Boone remains in office (although he is suspended without pay pending the disposition of the charges filed against him).
Moreover, there is absolutely nothing to stop Boone from continuing his campaign for a fifth term in office.
If he does continue his bid, Boone would run in the GOP primary against his former top deputy Glen Kirby – who told reporter Tonya Brown of WPDE TV 15 (ABC – Florence/ Myrtle Beach) of his intentions on Monday.
Kirby is a longtime veteran of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) and is the second announced Republican challenger for this seat. The other? Former state trooper and high school football coach T.J. Joye.
Kirby is also the officer who allegedly relayed allegations of criminal behavior involving Boone to agents of the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
[su_dominion_video_scb]On the Democratic side, veteran law enforcement officer Jody Lynch – the 2016 Democratic nominee for sheriff – has said she is planning to run again.
Lynch told her local paper this week she believes additional charges are forthcoming in connection with Boone’s arrest.
“I have a feeling this won’t be it,” she said.
The big question? Whether the next round of charges are focused solely on Boone – or extend to other officers at FCSO.
We will have to wait and see …
Challenging Lynch in next spring’s partisan primary elections are Frizell Moore (originally of Lake City, S.C.) and Darrin Yarborough – a former Florence County deputy who until recently was employed as a deputy in neighboring Darlington County.
According to our sources, Yarborough is the current favorite to win the Democratic nomination and possibly the general election as well.
-FITSNews
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