COLUMBIA, S.C. — The former Chester County Sheriff was indicted Thursday regarding allegations of corruption.
The South Carolina State Grand Jury issued 16-count indictment of suspended Chester County Sheriff Alex Underwood, former Chester County Chief Deputy Robert Sprouse, and former Chester County Lt. Johnny Neal.
The former sheriff, George Alexander Underwood, was indicted for criminal conspiracy, misconduct in office, use of official position or office for financial gain, embezzlement and forgery.
According to court documents, Underwood, while acting Sheriff of Chester County, along with Sprouse and Neal, who were supervisory Deputy Sheriffs, spent days working on a barn on Underwood's property along with other things for the personal benefit of Underwood.
Underwood and Sprouse also conspired to have public funds of Chester County be spent to pay for each of their spouse’s travel expenses for a trip to a police conference in Reno, Nevada.
Bond for Underwood was sent at $25,000 Personal Recognizance.
Sprouse was indicted for criminal conspiracy, embezzlement, forgery, and misconduct in office.
Neal was indicted for criminal conspiracy, misconduct in office, use of official position or office for financial gain.
This case was investigated by the South Carolina State Grand Jury with the assistance of SLED, the Attorney General’s office, the FBI, and US Attorney’s Office.