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SLED Chief 'retiring' for month to receive benefits, continue working

The governor's office said Chief Mark Keel must retire for at least 30 days before returning to covered employment.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The head of South Carolina's top law enforcement agency has announced his retirement - but will be back in the position in about a month.

Governor Henry McMaster announced on Thursday that Chief Mark Keel, who leads the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), will temporarily leave the position in order to comply with a mandate that requires law enforcement to retire from their position for at least 30 consecutive days before returning to covered employment. The governor's office called "common practice in the law enforcement community."

"This will allow Keel to receive the retirement benefits he has earned while continuing to lead SLED," the agency said.

Governor McMaster said in a statement that Keel has over 40 years of law enforcement experience and 12 years of experience as the leader of SLED.

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"Retaining Chief Keel's leadership and law enforcement expertise is a victory for our entire state," McMaster said.

McMaster has already announced his intent to reappoint Keel to the position pending the approval of the state Senate.

In his brief absence, SLED will be under the stewardship of its assistant chief, Richard Gregory, who has been with the agency since 1995.

Keel filed a resignation letter on Wednesday announcing his intent to leave the agency effective immediately. However, the letter makes no mention of the intent of the retirement or his plan to return to the position weeks later.

Keel will serve a six-year term upon his confirmation and return.

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