High-ranking school board member resigns after husband’s arrest, SC officials say
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A high-ranking member of the Lexington 1 school board has resigned days after her husband was charged with multiple sex crimes involving children, South Carolina officials said.
On Sunday night, the Lexington 1 Board of Trustees said it received the resignation of Board Vice Chair Elizabeth “Beth” Shealy. The resignation is effective immediately, Lexington 1 officials said in a news release.
On March 26, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office announced that 53-year-old Richard Channing Shealy was charged with three counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and 10 counts third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Richard Shealy — who goes by “Chan” — is Elizabeth Shealy’s husband, according to his personal website.
“The Board and the district recognize that this is a difficult time for our community,” the board of trustees said in the release. “We understand the emotions and questions this situation has raised for students, families, employees and community members. “Our priority is and will always be the wellbeing of our students.”
Elizabeth Shealy was elected to the Lexington 1 school board in 2022, according to the school district’s website.
The school board said it will work with local and state election officials regarding the process for filling the vacancy.
The S.C. Attorney General’s Office said it began investigating Richard Shealy after seeing files of child sexual abuse material shared online. The case was referred to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, which made the arrest.
Information about Richard Shealy’s bond was not available, but he’s not currently listed on the Lexington County Detention Center’s inmate roster, jail records show.
If convicted on the sexual exploitation of a minor charges as well as the sexual exploitation of a minor charges, both felonies, Richard Shealy faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, for each count, the S.C. Attorney General’s Office said.
The S.C. Attorney general’s Office will lead the prosecution of Richard Shealy.
School board’s statement
“The Lexington County School District One Board of Trustees has received the resignation of Board Vice Chair Beth Shealy, effective immediately.
“The Board and the district recognize that this is a difficult time for our community. We understand the emotions and questions this situation has raised for students, families, employees and community members.
“Our priority is and will always be the wellbeing of our students.
“The Board will work with local and state election officials regarding the process for filling the vacancy.
“The Board of Trustees and the district remain committed to supporting our students, families and staff and to ensuring our schools continue to be safe, respectful and focused on learning.
“We are grateful for the continued trust of our community and remain focused on the work ahead.”
SOURCE: Lexington 1 Board of Trustees
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This story was originally published March 30, 2026 at 8:16 AM.
