Augusta, GA

Augusta co-author discusses investigations of S.C. official

Published

2 years ago

January 13, 2024

Augusta co-author discusses investigations of S.C. official

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WIS) – Neil Gordon, the Augusta-based co-author of “Behind the Doors of Justice” with embattled Colleton County, S.C, Clerk of Court Becky Hill, is calling a pair of investigations of her “disappointing.”

The investigations, confirmed by the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division this week, are looking into whether she tampered with the jury in the Alex Murdaugh double-murder trial and used her elected position for personal gain.

“The Hills and the Gordons had become very close friends during the process of producing the book, so I certainly don’t wish any ill will on Becky,” said Gordon, who’s also the publisher of the Augusta Business Daily. “The part that concerns me is for gain personally that SLED mentioned.”

EARLIER COVERAGE:

Augusta co-author to donate proceeds of Murdaugh book
SLED launches investigations into Colleton County clerk of court

That concern stems from knowledge that Hill conducted some of the book business on her county email account, something Gordon said he had advised against.

A SLED spokesperson could not confirm when the probes began, but South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson called on the agency to look into the jury tampering allegations in September, days after Murdaugh’s attorneys went public with those claims.

As part of their request for a new trial, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin alleged that Hill tried to sway jurors to reach a guilty verdict to help sell the book she would later publish with Gordon.

“We never considered the likelihood as reported to us by the jurors that the Clerk of Court would go into the sanctity of the juror room before he (Murdaugh) testified, and tell the jurors, ‘Don’t be fooled by his testimony, watch out for his body language,’” Griffin said at a September news conference.

Hill has categorically denied these allegations.

Murdaugh’s attorneys say the question before the court goes directly to Hill’s credibility, and Gordon acknowledges that took a hit when she admitted to plagiarizing a portion of their book’s preface.

“The plagiarism has not helped her credibility, but in fairness, I think the allegations of jury tampering and some decisions that she has made could be very, very separate,” he said. “I really do think that it comes down, nothing to do with the book, just whatever conversations that she may or may not have had with jury members.”

Gordon said through dozens of hours of working with Hill on the book, she never once mentioned any specific conversations that she had with jurors.

Once the plagiarism came to light on Dec. 22, Gordon said they made the decision to unpublish the book, the last copies of which were sold on Amazon this week.

Becky Hill’s co-author responds to SLED investigations into Colleton County Clerk of Court(WIS News 10)

All proceeds that he and his wife made following that revelation will be donated to charity, he said.

Gordon said he and his wife were interviewed by SLED a few months ago as part of the investigation, with the conversation focusing on when the couple first met Hill, when the idea for the book came about and when they started writing the book.

“I think they were trying to understand how much work maybe Becky did on the book before or during the course of trial,” he said.

Gordon said he does not know how much writing Hill did throughout the trial because he did not meet her until March 23, three weeks after Hill read the guilty verdict.

Gordon’s wife met Hill on the second to last day of the trial, he said.

He said he would be willing to cooperate with any subpoena.

“We have saved all of the text messages and emails and I think some of the conversations that we had as we were producing the book,” Gordon said. “For lack of better words, I’m an open book and I’m very transparent, I’m very honest and I’m more than willing to answer any questions whatsoever.”

Hill’s attorneys, Justin Bamberg and Will Lewis, did not respond to a request for comment.

The allegations surrounding Hill will be discussed at an evidentiary hearing later this month at the Richland County courthouse.

A status conference in the case is set for Tuesday, Jan. 16.

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Augusta, GA

Customers shop Black Friday deals at stores in Augusta

Published

12 hours ago

November 28, 2025

Press Room

Customers shop Black Friday deals at stores in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Black Friday is here, and customers are ready to shop some big sales.

We visited several big stores across the Augusta area, where large groups of people were lining up to shop sales.

Santa even made an appearance at Cabela’s in Augusta.

Santa with News 12’s Cameron Jacobs and Israel Butler(WRDW)

How to stay safe while shopping

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says it’s going to have deputies all over the county and around businesses.

But they are urging you to make sure you, your car and your items are all secure and away from potential dangers.

“Make sure if you’re going in, you’re buying packages, you’ve got bags. I would think about trying to get these packages and these items home as soon as possible. I wouldn’t leave them in the trunk of my vehicle. I definitely wouldn’t leave them in plain view inside my vehicle,” said Col. Bo Johnson with the sheriff’s office.

Johnson says for those who wear purses or other bags, make sure they’re in front of you at all times, not just on your shoulder.

Also remember to be aware of your surroundings when walking to and from a store and when on the roads.

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Augusta, GA

Volunteers ensure no one goes hungry on Thanksgiving at Augusta Salvation Army

Published

1 day ago

November 28, 2025

Press Room

Volunteers ensure no one goes hungry on Thanksgiving at Augusta Salvation Army

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army of Augusta held its annual free Thanksgiving dinner Thursday, with volunteers taking time away from their families to serve those in need.

The organization estimated serving nearly 200 plates during the event, which brought together volunteers and community members in the Salvation Army dining hall.

Volunteers give back to community

Samuel Quiroz, a chef who volunteered for the event, said the opportunity to give back was a blessing.

“I’m a chef and a chef always has somewhere to go on Thanksgiving, so I called around and the Salvation Army always needs some help, so I gave my time,” Quiroz said.

Randall Mathis, a military veteran who volunteered, said the experience was an extension of his service.

“I was in the military and I’ve always volunteered, so it was just an extension of my military service,” Mathis said. “It’s the best feeling in the world for giving back and meeting people of their needs.”

Personal connection drives service

Bobby Johnson, the Salvation Army’s lead cook, said his own experience receiving help motivated him to serve others.

“At one point, I have been out there in that line, like 30 something years ago, getting that meal too. When I saw the opportunity, I wanted to take it and you know, give back,” Johnson said.

Johnson credited the volunteers for making the dinner possible.

“They are the one that actually makes this what it is because they come in and they willing to give their time and their service for nothing,” Johnson said.

Community spirit on display

Quiroz said the event embodied the spirit of Thanksgiving through community service.

“Thanksgiving is about having a sense of community coming together and appreciating what we do have and what I had and what these people had today was some time to make sure people had some food on their bellies, which is a luxury I feel like a lot of people take advantage of these days,” Quiroz said.

Mathis expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, saying “Thank God for an opportunity to serve.”

The Salvation Army continues to seek volunteers and donations as the holiday season approaches to ensure community needs are met.

To donate or find ways to volunteer, visit their website.

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Augusta, GA

Salvation Army to serve Thanksgiving dinner to hundreds in Augusta

Published

2 days ago

November 27, 2025

Press Room

Salvation Army to serve Thanksgiving dinner to hundreds in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army of Augusta is preparing to serve its annual free Thanksgiving dinner Thursday, with leaders expecting more people than ever to attend.

The Salvation Army Center of Hope serves meals 365 days a year, but Thursday’s Thanksgiving dinner holds special significance for the organization and the community it serves.

“If you are struggling, if you are hungry, there is a meal and a welcoming family here for you on Thanksgiving Day,” said Derek Dugan, Director of Development for the Salvation Army of Augusta.

Shelters at capacity

Dugan said the organization’s facilities are at full capacity heading into the holiday.

“Tonight this shelter will be full, the women’s shelter will be full, the family shelter will be full. And tomorrow, all of them will be joining us for a Thanksgiving meal,” he said.

Volunteers prepare feast

While the Center of Hope dining area sits quietly with tables set and chairs arranged, preparation is underway in the kitchen at the Kroc Center, where turkeys and pies are going into ovens.

Volunteer Angela Mixon is making sweet potato pies using her grandmother’s recipe, mixing ingredients by hand.

“I don’t measure anything. If it tastes right, it’s good; if it doesn’t, I add what it tastes like it needs,” Mixon said.

The Salvation Army holds personal meaning for Mixon, who stayed at the shelter when she was 25 with her oldest daughter.

“So the Salvation Army really helped me,” she said.

Now she’s baking for the 150 people expected to attend Thursday’s meal.

Finding family

For many who will attend, the dinner provides more than just food.

“Thanksgiving is a special time for us to reconnect with our families and friends. And for the people that we serve, many of them don’t have those families or friends because of their situation in life,” Dugan said.

The free Thanksgiving meal will be served at the Salvation Army Center of Hope on Greene Street at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Everyone in the community is encouraged to attend.

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