South Carolina police chief arrested by FBI agents

Manning, South Carolina police Chief Gary Blair Shaffer has been arrested following a FBI investigation into misconduct during his term. Shaffer has been charged with theft of federal funds, money laundering, structuring, and false statements.

In July, Shaffer was dismissed from his position following a vote by city council. Shaffer challenged the vote citing “personal retaliation by Manning Mayor Julia Nelson and an effort by city officials to stop him from following state law” as the reason for his firing.

Following several city council meetings and meetings with the city’s grievance council, a follow up vote upheld Shaffer’s termination.

Less than a week later, in August 2018, the city council voted unanimously to “waive attorney-client privilege” in granting a request from an outside agency seeking information on a “former or current” employee. Although a name was not mentioned, it soon became public knowledge that the FBI was pursuing Shaffer.

The federal indictment indicates that Shaffer stole $68,514 from the City of Manning while serving as police chief.

From September to November 2015, Shaffer acquired the “proceeds of specified unlawful activity, to wit: distribution of controlled substances.” Money acquired was then deposited into multiple bank accounts belonging to him and his wife.

Shaffer “unlawfully and knowingly” ensured deposits were less than $10,000 to avoid federal oversight.

Over the next two years, Shaffer was questioned several times by the FBI regarding this activity. He now faces perjury charges because he knowingly stole the money from the city, despite claims of ignorance.

Shaffer pled not guilty earlier this week.