Charges against magistrate dropped

Lucas to seek reinstatement; case centered on theft of statue from relative’s home

By LEE HIGGINS - lhiggins@thestate.com

Charges were dropped Thursday against a Lexington County magistrate accused of stealing a statue last year from his sister-in-law’s yard.

Special Assistant Attorney General Vinton D. Lide requested petit larceny charges be dropped against Oak Grove Magistrate Jamie T. Lucas, his wife, Pamala, and their friend, Jessica R. Kub.

There was lack of sufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, Lide said.

Lucas has been suspended by the S.C. Supreme Court since Feb. 6. His attorney, Heath Taylor, plans to file a motion with the court for Lucas to be reinstated.

Lucas had no comment after Thursday’s court hearing.

Taylor, who also represented Pamala Lucas, said his clients are “of course, happy with this resolution.”

The Lucases and Kub were arrested in January on charges they stole a 2-foot-tall statue from the Lexington County home of Beth Harmon, Pamala Lucas’ sister.

It belonged to the sisters’ mother, Mary Elizabeth Hutto Harmon, who died in 2001. Prior to that, it belonged to their grandfather. The concrete figure of a boy holding a fishing rod, which is worth less than $1,000, has sentimental value.

During SLED’s investigation, the alleged victim, who is a Lexington County Sheriff’s Department employee, agreed to wear a wire to tape a conversation with her sister, arrest warrants say.

During the talk, Pamala Lucas admitted taking the statue, warrants say. It has since been returned.

Jamie Lucas’ attorney said the past several months have been “very difficult” for him.

“He’s had to step back from the bench, so he’s had five months he’s been staring at the walls,” Taylor said.

It’s unclear how long it could take the court to decide whether to reinstate Lucas, but he is hoping for a decision soon, Taylor said.

Reach Higgins at (803) 771-8570.