Cook v. South Carolina Department of Highways & Public Transportation

Harwell, Chief Justice:

This is an appeal from a grievance proceeding. Appellant William P. Cook alleges that the trial judge erred in upholding the decision of the South Carolina State Employee Grievance Committee. We affirm in part and reverse in part.

I. FACTS

Appellant was a member of the South Carolina Highway Patrol stationed in a small, rural town. Rumors began circulating in the community that appellant, who was married, and a married woman were engaged in a clandestine relationship. Eventually the gossip came to the attention of appellant’s supervisors, and appellant was summoned before…