Abbeville Co. Sheriff charged with misconduct in office

Abbeville County Sheriff Charles Goodwin was indicted by a grand jury on Tuesday, charged with misconduct in office, according to the Attorney General's office.

Goodwin is accused of demanding and receiving cash "kickbacks" from county funds paid between Jan. 1998 and Nov. 2011, according to South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson. Wilson said the funds were paid to a local auto body repair shop during that timeframe.

Wilson also said Goodwin had an inmate from the South Carolina Department of Corrections perform work on his personal vehicles and family's property.

A hearing is scheduled for noon on Friday at the Greenville County General Sessions Court. The Attorney General's office is prosecuting the case. Goodwin faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Goodwin was re-elected as Abbeville County Sheriff in November.