YORK COUNTY, SC - Effective January 10, 2018, Deputy Christopher Gage’s employment with the York County Sheriff’s Office was terminated for engaging in conduct unbecoming of an officer. Mr. Gage began employment with the York County Sheriff’s Office in March 2017.
On January 8, 2018, the York County Sheriff’s Office received allegations that Mr. Gage had possibly engaged in conduct unbecoming of a Sheriff’s Office Deputy. Internal Affairs investigators spoke with the complainant and learned that Mr. Gage had likely engaged in criminal activity. In accordance with standard procedure, the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) was contacted to take over the investigation into the allegations, which were now criminal in nature.
Sheriff Kevin Tolson decided to terminate Mr. Gage on January 10th due to the seriousness and credibility of the allegations made against Mr. Gage. These allegations included Mr. Gage engaging in an extramarital affair, providing money in exchange for sexual favors, and abstaining from serving an outstanding arrest warrant.
“I take all allegations of officer misconduct very seriously. As soon as a complaint was received, we immediately interviewed the complainant. I fired Gage as soon as certain statements made during the interview were corroborated,” said Sheriff Tolson.
Upon the conclusion of the SLED investigation, one warrant for misconduct in office was obtained for Mr. Gage. He was taken into custody on that warrant by SLED agents on July 10, 2018. The Sixteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office will prosecute the charge against Gage.
“Gage’s conduct is reprehensible and will not be tolerated this in this office. This former employee’s behavior is not a reflection of the good work of other YCSO deputies,” said Sheriff Tolson
Any further questions regarding this matter should be directed to SLED or the Sixteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office.