Former Councilman Billy R. Oswald Arrested in West Columbia

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News Summary

West Columbia is in shock following the arrest of former Lexington County councilman Billy R. Oswald on serious charges, including assault and battery. Allegations arose after a legal visit to Oswald’s law office, leading to claims of inappropriate conduct. The controversy escalated with bribery allegations from the victim’s attorney. Oswald’s legal team maintains his innocence, claiming extortion motives. Currently, he faces a $4,500 bond and restrictions as the legal proceedings unfold, drawing significant community attention.

Shockwaves in West Columbia: Former Councilman Arrested on Serious Charges

West Columbia has been rocked by the unexpected arrest of former Lexington County councilman Billy R. Oswald, sparking conversations and concerns among residents. Oswald, known for his political aspirations and history in local governance, was taken into custody on January 31, 2025. He faces charges related to assault and battery in the second degree, as well as accusations of lewd exposure.

Allegations Forwarded from a Legal Visit

The troubling accusations stem from an incident that occurred at Oswald’s law office in West Columbia. Reports indicate that a victim went in seeking legal assistance, only to allege inappropriate behavior from the former councilman. The charges include the shocking claim that Oswald fondled the victim’s breast and exposed his genitals during this visit.

A Twist in the Tale: Bribery Allegations Emerge

As the situation escalated, the victim’s attorney raised an eyebrow, claiming that an unidentified person attempted to bribe the victim into dropping the charges against Oswald. This revelation has added another layer of complexity to an already sensational story, as both legal teams navigate the rocky waters of these allegations.

Denials from Oswald and His Legal Team

Oswald’s attorney has been vocal in maintaining his client’s innocence. He asserted that the allegations against Oswald are unfounded and have arisen from an unmet financial expectation following the alleged incident. This has led to arguments from Oswald’s team that the victim is pursuing the case as a form of extortion.

Legal Consequences and Bond Hearing

Following the arrest, a bond hearing took place where a $4,500 surety bond was set for Oswald. His wife stepped in to cover the bond, which has allowed him to be released, albeit with certain conditions. One major restriction is a no-contact order with the alleged victim, designed to prevent further issues while the legal process unfolds.

A Troubled Legal Background

This isn’t the first time Oswald has faced legal issues. He previously lost a lawsuit in fall 2022, where he was accused of fostering a sexist work environment and faced claims of groping. That case ended with a significant settlement of $71,000 paid to the former office manager who brought the claims forward. Such incidents have tarnished Oswald’s reputation and raised questions about his professional conduct.

Political Journey and Recent Struggles

Oswald, who has a rich political history dating back to his time as South Carolina director for Gary Hart’s presidential campaign in 1984, has faced hurdles on multiple fronts. His attempts to secure a seat in the South Carolina state House have ended in disappointment during the last two election cycles, one in 2016 and again in 2018. More recently, he even made an unsuccessful bid in the 2024 Republican primary for a state senate seat.

License Suspension and Future Uncertainty

Compounding his troubles, Oswald had his law license suspended as of January 4, 2025, following a request made by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel regarding unspecified misconduct. This suspension has contributed to the uncertainty surrounding his future, both in law and politics.

Community Response and Ongoing Developments

Residents of West Columbia are understandably shaken by these developments, as Oswald was once a prominent figure within the community. The unfolding legal drama has captured the attention of locals, with many curious to see how these serious allegations will play out in court. As the legal proceedings are set to begin, all eyes will remain on Oswald and the impact of these charges on his already tumultuous career.

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Former Councilman Billy R. Oswald Arrested in West Columbia

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