CAMDEN, SC (WIS) -
The Camden City Council has voted to place the city's attorney on unpaid leave after he was charged with misconduct in office.
After meeting privately in executive session and getting legal guidance, the Camden City Council voted unanimously Thursday to grant Charles V.B. Cushman's request to be placed on unpaid administrative leave.
Cushman did not attend the special meeting called for Thursday evening, but entered his request through a letter to City Council.
The State Law Enforcement Division charged Cushman with misconduct in office.
According to an incident report, Cushman dismissed several criminal charges against people under the guise that they would contribute a "donation" to the city's anti-drug fund between Jan. 1, 2005 and Dec. 31, 2011.
SLED says the charge against Cushman has been corroborated by financial records, statements, and documents in connection to the case.
Through his letter to city council, Cushman says he is not guilty of misconduct in office and will be fighting the charge. But in the letter, Cushman apologized for the embarrassment the accusation has caused the city and to each of the council members.
Cushman had no comment Thursday.
City officials say no additional employees have been implicated in the case. City leaders say they will start looking for an interim city attorney at their next meeting.
Cushman was booked at the Kershaw County Detention Center where he was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.
The Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office will be prosecuting this case.
Copyright 2012 WIS. All rights reserved.
Charles Cushman
