Trowell v. South Carolina Department of Public Safety

Scott-Trowell appeals the circuit court’s order affirming the decision of the State Human Resources Director that his appeal of an internal grievance matter was untimely. Trowell asserts the circuit court erred in finding service was perfected upon the Department of Public Safety’s facsimile of its final agency decision, thereby initiating the time frame in which Trowell had to appeal. We reverse and remand.

FACTS

Trowell, a South Carolina Highway Patrolman, was suspended without pay for 40 hours and reassigned to a different patrol troop and location. An internal investigation revealed Trowell…