Former Richland deputy charged with 1979 molestation

(Columbia) Sept. 16, 2003 - Former Richland Sheriff Frank Powell named Thomas Edgar "Sonny" Clark to head the state's first county drug squad in the 1960's.

Clark's career took a tragic turn in February 1988 at a mobile home near Leesville, when he accidentally shot and killed Leesville Police Chief Bill Lundy while working for the Lexington Sheriff's Department. Investigators said the shooting happened as Clark tried to help Lundy, who'd been attacked by a suspect's dog. Clark later retired from police work.

At age 61, his name has resurfaced again at the Richland County Sheriff's Department. An arrest warrant charges Clark sexually molested a 14-year-old boy in 1979.

A sheriff's report says the victim accused Clark after seeing the former officer's picture in a newspaper article in June. The victim, now 39, told investigators, when he saw the photo, the memories he'd been suppressing all came back.

The warrant says the sexual incidents happened at Clark's home.Clark was working as a Lexington County deputy at the time. Joseph Pellicci of the Richland County Sheriff's Department says Clark met the boy as part of a criminal investigation.

Clark turned himself in and was booked on a charge of second degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor. His bond was set at $15,000.

By Jack Kuenzie
Posted 10:54pm by BrettWitt