Kershaw Co. Sheriff and former deputy face second lawsuit over deputy’s alleged actions

Update: The lawsuit was dismissed in Sept. 2022

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LUGOFF, S.C. (WIS) - Kershaw County’s top law enforcement officer and one of his former deputies are facing a new lawsuit.

Since reporting on the second lawsuit filed against Kershaw County Sheriff’s Deputy Jonathan Goldsmith Monday, Dec. 6, WIS has confirmed a third lawsuit has been filed, according to

Camden attorney Brett Perry filed a lawsuit on Nov. 30 on behalf of his client, alleging former Kershaw County Sheriff’s Deputy Johnathan Goldsmith “attacked” his handcuffed client during a Nov. 2019 traffic stop while unprovoked.

It alleges the plaintiff, Richard Connolly, Sr., was a passenger in a car that was stopped at checkpoint operated by State Troopers with the help of Goldsmith.

The lawsuit does not state where the checkpoint is, but Perry told WIS it was at the intersection of Wildwood Lane and Whitehead Road near the edge of Lugoff.

The lawsuit states Connolly was asked to get out of the car, was handcuffed, then Goldsmith asked Connolly what he was looking at.

It alleges Goldsmith threw Connolly against a car, to the ground, and then proceeded to hit him repeatedly.

It states a state trooper on scene broke up the situation and reported her concerns to KCSO and her superiors.

WIS has filed a Freedom of Information Request with both KCSO and with the State Troopers to learn what was discussed, when and with whom.

The lawsuit also holds Sheriff Lee Boan responsible, alleging he knew about Goldsmith’s behavior prior to hiring him and failed to correct Goldsmith’s behavior while his supervisor.

This is the second lawsuit Perry has filed against Boan, Goldsmith and the sheriff’s office.

RELATED STORY | Kershaw County sheriff, former deputy named in lawsuit over alleged assault

The first stems from an October 2020 incident which resulted in Goldsmith’s firing and arrest.

In November, WIS investigated what Boan knew and when about Goldsmith’s behavior.

RELATED STORY | KCSO documents show 2nd instance where Sheriff knew of deputy’s behavior before alleged assault

Perry said his client is looking for justice.

“He continues to have pain and suffering associated with that and also too there’s the mental aspects of this. Regardless of what someone has done, regardless of what someone’s record may be, they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity by law enforcement. If they are not doing anything to justify use of force, then force should not be used.”

Goldsmith’s attorney did not return a request for comment. H. Thomas Morgan, Jr. represents Boan and the office. He sent WIS a letter thanking the outlet for the opportunity to speak, declined to comment, but did say Boan “vehemently” denies the allegations and looks forward to telling his story to the jury.

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