Cain probe cost Batesburg-Leesville $4,800

An investigation into the residency of former Councilman Steve Cain cost Batesburg-Leesville taxpayers $4,800, Town Manager Ted Luckadoo said.

The tab “is the price of looking into claims” from 15 residents that Cain’s recent prolonged absence, Mayor Rita Crapps said.

Town officials hired private investigators, who concluded it was impossible to tell where Cain was while absent.

Cain has gone to court seeking reinstatement, saying his removal from office by other town leaders is based on erroneous conclusions about alleged nonresidency.

He called the fuss over his residency “sensational kabuki theatre” in an email.

Cain was ousted from a post he held for 10 years in a 4-3 decision on June 15 that came after he was absent from council meetings for eight months.

He has declined to explain his absence but insisted he did not move away from the Lexington County community of 5,500 residents.

Other council members said Cain evaded questions about his residency.

Cain recently turned himself in to law enforcement officials to face criminal charges for failure to pay child support.