A local prosecutor has been named tops in the state.

At last week's South Carolina Solicitors’ Association Annual Conference, 11th Circuit Deputy Solicitor Rhonda Wallace Patterson received the 2023 Ernest F. Hollings Award for Excellence in State Prosecution for General Sessions.

“This award has been given to the top prosecutor in the State of South Carolina since 1997,” a press release states. “The Hollings Award historically has been awarded to solicitors across the State who have been outstanding in carrying out what justice requires while upholding the position with integrity.”

The significance of Patterson receiving this award is amplified, as she is the first woman from the 11th Circuit office and the first Black woman in the state to win the award, according to the release.

“Rhonda is the epitome of a career prosecutor,” 11th Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard, who nominated Patterson for the honor, is quoted in the release. “She is dedicated to the administration of justice. Her genuine demeanor and caring personality endear her to those with whom she works, and, in many instances, those who stand on the opposite side of the aisle in a courtroom.”

“However, her determination in obtaining justice for victims makes her a formidable advocate in the courtroom. She is the consummate professional, and always exhibits the highest standards of ethical behavior.” Hubbard is quoted.

According to the release, Patterson was born and raised in Gaffney, South Carolina, graduating from Gaffney High School in 1991. Patterson then attended South Carolina State University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1995. She then obtained her law degree in 1998 from North Carolina Central University and became a member of the South Carolina Bar that same year.

Patterson began her legal career as an assistant solicitor in the state’s Sixth Judicial Circuit, leaving in 2003 to work for the South Carolina Prosecution Commission. After two years, she joined the 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, primarily in Lexington County. She then began prosecuting domestic violence and child abuse cases.

Patterson became an “Abuse in Later Life” trainer and concentrated on prosecuting elder and vulnerable adult cases.

According to the release, in 2017, Patterson started pursuing homicide and successfully tried 13 such cases.

Outside of the courtroom, Patterson serves as a supervisor for the 11th Circuit staff and works with the county’s Human Resources department on employment issues.

“Despite how busy the courtroom keeps her, she always makes time for our staff and mentors other attorneys in the office,” the release states.

Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon and Lexington Police Department Chief Terrence Green both sent in nomination letters for Patterson.

“Rhonda has always availed herself to my office, whether in preparation of an upcoming trial, fielding calls to offer legal insight, or volunteering to instruct classes for law enforcement agencies. She exhibits a professional demeanor, whether inside the courtroom or within an office environment,” Koon is quoted in the release, calling her “ne of the brightest and most dedicated violent crimes prosecutors.”

Patterson is  also a past recipient of the John R. Justice Community Leadership Award, another top honor presented by the state Solicitors’ Association.