Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009

Atlantic Beach's major indicted on hit-and-run

ATLANTIC BEACH - The mayor of this troubled beach town has been indicted on a hit and run charge.

Atlantic Beach Mayor Retha Pierce was charged in April with hit-and-run/leaving the scene of an accident after a woman told police her vehicle was sideswiped on U.S. 17.

North Myrtle Beach Rep. Tracy Edge said Friday the indictment clears the way for Pierce to be removed from office. State law says the governor can remove an elected municipal official after a grand jury indictment for a "crime involving moral turpitude."

Edge and some town council members had asked Gov. Mark Sanford to remove Pierce after she was charged last month with driving under the influence.

Pierce said she is not concerned about the indictment or possible removal from office. It's "just a title," she said.

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