The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has closed its investigation into Chapin Mayor “William” Bill Mitchell following an allegation of assault. 

The alleged incident is said to have happened at the town hall on Nov. 7, when Mitchell was sworn into office. WIS reported at the time that “it appear[ed] as if town staff and officials were blindsided’’ by the ‘’sudden swearing-in ceremony.”

"Prior to that ceremony, a town employee alleged that I grabbed her by the shoulders,'" Mitchell wrote in a Facebook post in November.

On Nov. 20, town council members met in executive session to “discuss investigation proceedings regarding allegations of criminal misconduct." The following day, the Town of Chapin made a statement on Facebook stating it is cooperating fully with SLED.

In a Facebook post on Dec. 4, Mitchell said that since the alleged assault occurred between a town employee and the mayor-elect, SLED was called to investigate the situation due to a conflict of interest. 

“What I can say is that I have full confidence in our legal system and hope for a prompt resolution,” his statement read in the December post. “I am the same person you have known for the past 51 years. I have never been accused of criminal conduct or inappropriate physical contact of any kind, nor do I tolerate such behavior.”

Mitchell earned 67.87% of the vote cast on Nov. 4. Opponent Ron Colley earned 7.51%, while 24.32% of voters wrote in candidates. Former Mayor Al Koon died unexpectedly in October; he was a candidate for re-election at the time of his death.