New Chapin mayor under investigation by SLED. Here’s what we know.
The S.C. State Law Enforcement Division is investigating an incident involving the new mayor of Chapin.
The law enforcement agency confirmed to The State on Friday that an investigation has been launched at the request of the Chapin Police Department into Mayor Bill Mitchell, who was elected to the town’s top job earlier this month.
“The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) was requested on Friday, November 7, 2025, by the Chapin Police Department to investigate an alleged assault involving the then-Mayor-elect William “Bill” Mitchell Jr. at the Chapin Town Hall that day,” SLED spokeswoman Renee Wunderlich said in an emailed statement. “SLED’s investigation is active and ongoing at this time.”
SLED did not release details of the alleged assault, but Mitchell turned up at Chapin’s town hall on Nov. 7, three days after he had been elected with 68% of the vote, demanding to be sworn in early. The newly-elected mayor would normally take office in the new year, but incumbent Chapin Mayor Al Koon died two weeks before the Nov. 4 election.
As the newly-elected mayor, Mitchell took office immediately after the election in order to fill the existing vacancy.
“We are moving forward with this and there is nothing that’s going to stop us,” Mitchell said upon his arrival to town hall to be sworn in, according to WIS TV. “Everyone will get used to this in a little while, but right now we are moving forward.”
Mitchell did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The State on Friday, but he declined to comment on the matter when asked by WIS.
“I think the truth is going to come out, and it’s going to be great,” Mitchell told the TV station. “Sometimes these things happen, and sometimes you just have to work through the proper measures.”
The town also sent out a statement about the investigation on Friday.
“The Town of Chapin is aware of the ongoing SLED investigation involving Mayor Bill Mitchell Jr.,” an emailed statement said. “In line with our commitment to cooperating fully with law enforcement, the town will not be providing further comment at this time. We remain committed to transparency and will provide updates as appropriate.
“The town remains fully operational and continues to serve the Chapin community with dedication,” the statement reads.
The State has asked for a copy of the incident report filed with the Chapin Police Department in relation to the incident.
This is a developing story.
This story was originally published November 21, 2025 at 8:53 AM.
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