The long arm of the law caught up with Batesburg-Leesville Council man Steve Cain in Washington.

The colorful politician was wanted on a Lexington County bench warrant for failing to pay child support.

He has since surrendered at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

Cain, 47, was in Washington for a National League of Cities meeting as he serves as Lexington County Municipal Association president.

Batesburg-Leesville Mayor Lancer Shull and Irmo Mayor Hardy King have told the Chronicle they questioned Cain’s handling of more than $6,000 in money for drink and food expenses for association parties.

King said fewer than a dozen people attended.

Shull said, “I would ask that there be a full investigation of the accounting of the association bank account to end rumors or speculation.

“An independent audit of the books seems appropriate for the taxpayers.”

King said he will propose changes in the association bylaws to make sure there is accountability in how association money is handed.

Cain was in custody at the Lexington County Detention Center. He faces a charge of failure to pay child support in family court. A family court judge issued two bench warrants for Cain’s arrest in November 2014 after Cain allegedly failed to make court-ordered child support payments.

Attorney Bakari Sellers, who represents Cain, said he arranged for his client to turn himself in.

Sellers said, “This has been a tough time for Mr. Cain but he does realize that he has responsibilities.”

Batesburg-Leesville Town Council members have hired an investigator to check allegations that Cain does not live in District 3 as required to serve on the council.

Local police have had to remove Cain from town council chambers for disruptive behavior at a meeting.

Several Lexington County residents are reportedly threatening to sue Cain for calling them white supremacists in a Facebook post.