May 22, 2013
Allendale County's magistrate judge is suspended from office after being arrested on Friday.
Judge Carl Love now faces charges of misconduct while in office.
It's been a busy day for the small community of Allendale. 46-year-old Carl McKenzie Love served as magistrate for the county for five years. He was arrested Friday night and charged with misconduct in office following an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
Love admitted in writing to variety of charges, including unlawful communication with certain defendants, abuse of power, and improper financial procedure.
Police say Love broke the rules to benefit himself and certain others that appeared in his courtroom. SLED investigators believe Love began committing these illegal acts as early as August 2004.
Love is now free on bond. An order from the Allendale Disciplinary Board has been issued to suspend him from office. Orangeburg County magistrates will rotate to fill the vacancy in Allendale until a new magistrate is appointed.
The investigation is still ongoing, and no court date has been set.
