BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–Inside a Berkeley County courtroom Monday, former Berkeley County Sheriff Wayne Dewitt, 64, pleaded guilty Monday to DUI and failure to comply with law enforcement.
A judge sentenced DeWitt to three years probation and 60 hours of community service. He is also required to attend two Alcoholics Anonymous meetings per week.
“I can’t apologize enough,” DeWitt said in court. “My actions have caused embarrassment to my family, friends and citizens of this county.”
In court, DeWitt admitted to having a problem with alcohol and said that for the last 11 months he’s been enrolled in a 12-step program.
A 30-day jail sentence was suspended on each charge. He was originally arrested December 28, 2014, on counts of leaving an accident scene, failure to stop for blue lights and DUI.
According to South Carolina Highway Patrol, DeWitt hit another vehicle, fled the scene and then led officers on a
high speed chase traveling more than 100 miles per hour.
In February 2015, a grand jury indicted DeWitt.
Just a few days before that indictment, the longtime sheriff resigned from office.
“In the end, I know and understand the entire situation is the product of my own failures. As an elected official, as Sheriff and as a person, I recognize that I must be held accountable,” he stated. “I reiterate how sorry I am for my actions and the poor choices I made.”
DeWitt had served as the county’s sheriff since 1995. Berkeley County voters elected its new sheriff, Duane Lewis, on June 9, 2015.
