School board member arrested for DUI

Barnwell County School District (BCSD) board member Ronald J. Brown, 72, was arrested on the evening of September 15, 2023 for driving under the influence.

Brown was charged with driving under the influence, less than .10, first offense. The stop was initiated by the Williston Police Department (WPD) on Elko Street in Williston; however, Brown was arrested by a S.C. Highway Patrol (SCHP) officer after the state agency was called to assist.

According to the SCHP incident report, Brown admitted to “having drank multiple beers at a family gathering” after the recent loss of his brother.

Brown did not wish to provide a comment when contacted by The People-Sentinel.

Brown agreed to perform a standard field sobriety test, according to the report. During the walk and turn portion of the test, Brown “walked off line,” “misses heel to toe,” and performed an “improper turn.”

Brown later refused to take a breath test once brought to the Barnwell County Detention Center (BCDC) after arrest.

Brown currently serves on the BCSD board, but has held multiple prior positions in academic leadership. He served on the Barnwell County Consolidated School District board (BCCSD) and the former Williston-Elko District 29 school board where he was chairman from 2008 to 2011.

In a written response, BCSD Superintendent Dr. Crissie Stapleton said she did not have a comment at this time.

BCSD board chairman Terry Richardson said he was not aware of this incident when The People-Sentinel reached out for comment on the afternoon of September 28.

Brown also serves on the Axis I Center board of directors, which is the county’s agency for alcohol and drug abuse.

Barnwell County Council appoints 12 county residents to the Axis I board. Board members are nominated by a council member from their district. Districts for this board are defined by zip codes. District 1 is Barnwell, Snelling, and Kline. District 2 is Blackville and Hilda, and district 3 is Williston and Elko.

Brown serves in district 3, according to Axis I Center director Pam Rush.

Barnwell County Council can remove or replace Axis I board members at their leisure.

A personal recognizance bond was set at $992 by Williston Magistrate Judge Jason Stapleton on September 16. Bond was posted by Brown the same day. According to SCHP’s incident report, Brown was given a notice of suspension while at the BCDC.

Brown is set to appear in court for this charge on November 7, 2023, according to the S.C. Courts website and bond order.