>
South Carolina
22 Feb
53°F
23 Feb
57°F
24 Feb
58°F
25 Feb
69°F
26 Feb
67°F
27 Feb
72°F
28 Feb
59°F
>
South Carolina
22 Feb
53°F
23 Feb
57°F
24 Feb
58°F
25 Feb
69°F
26 Feb
67°F
27 Feb
72°F
28 Feb
59°F

Settlement Ends Controversy in Greenville County Sheriff’s Race

Article Sponsored by:

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:
Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence
Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?
Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:
May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf
Click the button below to sponsor our articles:
Landscape view of Greenville County representing community and justice.

News Summary

The libel lawsuit filed by A.T. ‘Tommy’ Smith, a former candidate for Greenville County Sheriff, against current sheriff Hobart Lewis has reached a settlement. After Smith made damaging allegations during his campaign in 2020 regarding Lewis and a local deputy, the lawsuit resulted in an official apology from Smith, acknowledging the falsehood of his claims. This resolution brings a sense of closure to a tumultuous chapter in the local political landscape, emphasizing the importance of integrity during elections.

Settlement Brings Closure in Greenville County Sheriff’s Race Controversy

In the small town of Greenville, the dust is finally beginning to settle after a particularly controversial chapter in the local sheriff’s race came to an end. A.T. “Tommy” Smith, a former candidate for the position of Greenville County Sheriff, has officially settled a libel lawsuit that has been making waves since it was filed back in 2021. The settlement, reached on January 24, 2025, addressed the serious allegations Smith made during his campaign against current sheriff Hobart Lewis and a local deputy.

False Allegations and Campaign Turmoil

During the 2020 special election campaign, Smith went on the offensive with a series of campaign mailers that included inflammatory statements suggesting that Hobart Lewis had engaged in an extramarital affair with Cindy Barnette Camp. Smith’s materials contained comments such as “Hobart, who is Cindy B?”, effectively accusing Lewis of scandalous behavior that never had any basis in fact. Camp, who is not only a deputy in Anderson County but also a former police officer in Greer, felt the impact of these vicious rumors firsthand. Following the mailers, she was inundated with calls from concerned friends and community members who were alarmed by the damaging claims against her character.

The Lawsuit and Its Ramifications

In response to the libelous allegations, Camp took a stand and filed her lawsuit, citing significant emotional distress and damage to her reputation. The lawsuit unveiled troubling signs of dysfunction within Smith’s campaign, particularly the negative tactics that included personal attacks rather than focusing on the issues. Camp’s claims were bolstered by the results of a polygraph test taken by Sheriff Lewis, which showed no signs of deception regarding the affair allegations.

During the course of the lawsuit, it was revealed that a former lieutenant from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office had conducted the polygraph test and confirmed that Lewis did not disclose any affair during the examination. This pivotal evidence further underscored the groundless nature of Smith’s accusations.

Smith’s Realization

Ultimately, the lawsuit paved the way for a public retraction and an official apology from Smith. He acknowledged that his previous claims against Lewis held no merit and accepted responsibility for the misrepresentation of facts. This significant turn of events came after Smith’s campaign failed to gain traction, ending with his loss to Lewis, who swept a decisive 72% of the votes.

Campaign Chaos and Consequences

The 2020 campaign was already marred by controversy, not just due to Smith’s allegations but also because of the mismanagement by his campaign manager, David Tyler Hoover. Hoover later faced charges of breach of trust regarding his handling of various local campaigns, adding yet another layer of difficulty for Smith. Following a turbulent election cycle, Lewis not only reclaimed his position but did so without opposition in November 2024, after successfully overcoming a primary challenger.

A Silver Lining

As the settlement was reached, Camp expressed relief, noting that the resolution brought some vindicating relief after the distressing months of dealing with the fallout from the allegations. With the lawsuit behind her, she can finally breathe easier and move forward from the burden placed upon her by Smith’s reckless claims.

While the campaign may have created divisions within the community, the resolution serves as a stark reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in local elections. As the inhabitants of Greenville County reflect on these recent events, they are left with an enduring lesson on the serious implication of false allegations during elections.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Tragic Wildfires Claim More Lives in Los Angeles
Greenville County Council Welcomes New Leadership
Greenville Residents Bracing for Tropical Storm Helene
Tragedy Strikes Greenville: Young Employee Dies in Go-Kart Accident
Drama Erupts in Piedmont Following Shocking Carjacking at Local Food Lion
Greenville Residents Demand Justice as Unsolved Murder Case Casts Shadow over Community
Search Underway for Missing 74-Year-Old Woman in Greenville County
Concern and Relief in Greenville: Missing Elderly Man Found Safe
Community Rallies to Help Find Missing Greenville Teen
Greenville Symphony Orchestra Hosts Free Outdoor Concert to Unite Community After Hurricane Helene

Additional Resources

HERE Greenville
Author: HERE Greenville

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!
Article Sponsored by:

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:
Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence
Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?
Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:
May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf
Click the button below to sponsor our articles:

Construction Software for Greenville, SC Contractors

Greenville, SC contractors benefit from CMiC’s construction management software that streamlines every stage of the project lifecycle. CMiC’s Single Database Platform™ integrates financial oversight, resource planning, and project workflows into one unified system, helping reduce operational risks and boosting productivity. Designed to enhance collaboration and control over large projects, CMiC is the trusted software for professionals in the construction industry. Are you a general contractor in Greenville, SC seeking advanced solutions for project management? CMiC has you covered with its feature-rich platform.

Learn More about CMiC’s offerings here. 

Stay Connected

More Updates

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Sign Up Now and get your local business listed!