South-Carolina
South Carolina sheriff who ordered deputy to shock inmate six times found not guilty
A South Carolina sheriff who ordered a deputy to repeatedly shock a noncompliant inmate with a Taser was found not guilty of federal civil rights violations.
“Thank the good Lord, thank the good Lord, I’m probably going to go to sleep thanking the good Lord,” former Malboro County Sheriff Charles Lemon said outside the courthouse.
He was arrested and suspended in 2021 for an incident from the previous year, where he was filmed on body camera video ordering a deputy to shock inmate Harrel Johnson six times, shouting, “Pop it to him.”
Lemon, whose term was slated to end this year, isn’t running for re-election.
The FBI and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigated the incident, and the state of South Carolina originally filed charges against Lemon and his deputy but dropped them in March 2024.
Lemon was eventually charged in federal court with deprivation of civil rights.
At trial, prosecutors argued Lemon was never Taser certified and shouldn’t have ordered a deputy to use the weapon, while a member of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy testified that officers are only allowed to use a Taser on someone three times.
During the week-long trial, Lemon argued he intervened in the Johnson matter because he knew the man’s family and thought he could be useful in getting Johnson, who had a history of mental health problems, to enter his cell.
A criminal justice expert for the defense argued the six shocks weren’t excessive given that Johnson lunged at the sheriffs when his handcuffs were taken off.
“The bottom line is Charles did not want to plead guilty because he didn’t think he was guilty. He spent his entire life trying to be a good law enforcement officer, and this was a dangerous situation in which he felt — and the jury vindicated his feelings — that his actions were justified,” defense attorney Morgan Martin told local paper The State on Monday.
“We are disappointed with the outcome, but we respect the jury’s verdict,” the office of U.S. Attorney for South Carolina Adair Boroughs said in a statement to the paper.
Lemon’s deputy, Andrew Cook, pleaded guilty to a federal charge earlier this year.
The state attorney general’s office told Queen City News it is considering whether to pursue renewed charges.
South-Carolina
How to watch LSU Tigers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Jan. 6
Meechie Johnson Jr. leads the South Carolina Gamecocks (9-5, 0-1 SEC) into a road game against Marquel Sutton and the LSU Tigers (12-2, 0-1 SEC) at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Tuesday, starting at 7 p.m. ET.
Read below where we dive into all of the info you need to know about this contest, including how to watch on TV.
As college basketball matchups continue, prepare for the outing with what you need to know before Tuesday’s game.
LSU vs. South Carolina: How to watch on TV or live stream
- Game day: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
- Game time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Arena: Pete Maravich Assembly Center
- TV Channel: ESPNU
- Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
LSU vs. South Carolina stats and trends
- This season, LSU is posting 87.8 points per game (28th-ranked in college basketball) and surrendering 71.3 points per contest (131st-ranked).
- So far this season, the Tigers are averaging 37.4 boards per game (33rd-ranked in college basketball) and allowing 29.2 rebounds per contest (92nd-ranked).
- This year, LSU ranks 104th in college basketball in assists, dishing out 15.8 per game.
- The Tigers are committing 10.5 turnovers per game (96th-ranked in college basketball) this season, while forcing 10.5 turnovers per contest (289th-ranked).
- This season, LSU is sinking 6.9 treys per game (269th-ranked in college basketball) and is shooting 33.2% (218th-ranked) from downtown.
- The Tigers rank 226th in college basketball with 8.1 three-pointers allowed per game this year. Meanwhile, they rank 183rd with a 33.1% shooting percentage allowed from three-point land.
- LSU is attempting 38 two-pointers per game this season, which account for 64.6% of the shots it has attempted (and 76.9% of the team’s baskets). Meanwhile, it is attempting 20.9 treys per contest, which are 35.4% of its shots (and 23.1% of the team’s buckets).
LSU vs. South Carolina Odds and Spread
- Spread Favorite: Tigers (-7.5)
- Moneyline: LSU (-347), South Carolina (+274)
- Total: 149.5 points
NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Tuesday at 3:31 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.
South-Carolina
SC invests nearly $1M into Darlington pump station upgrade
DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — The City of Darlington received a $957,000 grant from the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) to upgrade the Woodcreek Pump Station.
The project eliminates the current station on Country Club Road and will flow to the Woodcreek pump station while it is being renovated.
The city said that this will better serve those who live within the Darlington County Club by utilizing newer technology.
MORE: 6 years later: Memorial march honors fallen Florence airport officer
“This project has been on the City’s radar for quite some time now,” said City of Darlington Public Utilities Director Michael Morris. “The City is very thankful to receive this grant funding. It will be impactful to the residents in the Darlington Country Club, and it will enhance the service in the area.”
The funding is a part of a $23 million investment by the SC RIA to upgrade the state’s capital improvement.
The Woodcreek Pump Station Upgrade project is set to begin construction in 2026.
South-Carolina
South Carolina Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for Jan. 4, 2026
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 4, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Jan. 4 drawing
Evening: 4-3-2, FB: 3
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Jan. 4 drawing
Evening: 5-0-6-8, FB: 3
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Jan. 4 drawing
Evening: 06
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from Jan. 4 drawing
03-15-21-28-31
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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