State v. Hess

Lewis, Chief Justice:

Appellant, the former Chief of the Columbia Police Department, was found guilty on two indictments charging misconduct in office. We affirm both convictions.

In October 1980, while serving as the Columbia Police Chief, appellant initiated a series of secret contacts with one Joel Hendrix. The record shows that Hendrix was reputed to be a key figure both in organized criminal activities and in past corruption scandals touching local law enforcement. At trial, appellant steadfastly contended that the purpose of these contacts was to lure Hendrix into acts of bribery by…