Williamston Mayor Rockey Burgess and Police Chief Kevin Marsee made the decision to close Mineral Spring Park last Friday evening after social media posts raised concerns of a registered sex offender being allowed to participate in a music and worship event being held in the park.
Chief Marsee said the Williamston Police Department became aware of social media posts last Wednesday (April 8), expressing concern about a member of the Mobile Outreach Ministry, a religious group that regularly gathers in the park on Friday evenings for music and worship.
Several posts alleged that a member of the ministry was a registered sex offender and called for his removal from the park or arrest.
Chief Marsee stated that throughout the day Thursday, social media posts became increasingly hostile and some posts encouraged individuals to confront the ministry and take matters into their own hands.
The Police Chief stated many of the statements circulating online were based on misunderstandings of both South Carolina law and the authority of police officers to physically remove people from public spaces.
The individual referenced in the posts was convicted of solicitation of a minor, which is not one of the offenses listed in the state statute referenced by social media posts.
Chief Marsee said the Police Department consulted with State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, which maintains sex offender registry requirements locally.
“They confirmed that the individual is fully compliant with registration requirements and that no court-ordered restrictions prohibit his presence in public places, including parks,” Marsee stated. “Based on this information, he has a legal right to be present and is not violating any law.”
Throughout the day Thursday, Mayor Burgess released social media messages explaining the statute and legal authority of the town’s elected officials and police officers. Burgess also expressed concerns about obeying the law and freedom of speech issues.
Out of an abundance of caution, the police chief contacted the ministry to determine their plans for Friday evening. “Although they considered canceling, they ultimately chose to proceed due to the difficulty of notifying all attendees, including those without access to social media,” Marsee stated.
Burgess said that the town offered to allow the protestors to gather across the street from the park at Town Hall, but they would not be allowed in the park where the ministry event was to take place. “I received no application for a protest,” he said.
“I am sure there are good people that would be protesting, but I believed it could easily get out of hand and it appeared likely someone could go to jail,” Burgess said. “I thought it was best to keep them seperated.”
Throughout the day, online comments continued to escalate.
Chief Marsee stated that given the rising tensions and the credible risk of confrontation, he and Mayor Burgess met at approximately 9:30 PM on Thursday evening to discuss the situation.
After careful consideration, the Town made the decision to close Mineral Spring Park to all patrons at 5 PM on Friday April 10.
“This decision was not made lightly. It was taken to protect the safety of the general public, children, and members of the worship group, and to prevent a situation where innocent individuals could be placed in harm’s way,” Mayor Burgess said in an interview.
Concerning upcoming events, Mayor Burgess said, “Over the past few days, many folks have reached out asking what the plan is for Mineral Spring Park this week. Under Article V of the Town of Williamston Code of Ordinances, any organized event held on town property must receive prior approval from the Mayor.”
On Tuesday, Burgess said that a permit for a future event in Mineral Spring Park by Mobile Outreach Ministry has been denied, citing public safety concerns.
The permit denial states: The proposed event would likely involve the presence of a registered sex offender in proximity to a public park, an area regularly frequented by children and families. Given the nature of the location and anticipated attendance, this presents a significant and legitimate public safety concern that cannot be adequately mitigated under the current proposal.
It also referenced that the application did not include proof of liability insurance or a signed hold harmless/indemnification agreement as required under town policy.
Also, based on the expected attendance and the heightened potential for conflict, the Town determined that a minimum of four law enforcement officers would be required to ensure the safety of all participants and the general public. The cost associated with providing this level of security is the responsibility of the event organizer. At this time, no provision has been made to satisfy this requirement.
The decision can be appealed to Town Council at the next meeting, scheduled of April 20.
Burgess said that State law does not address sex offenders being in public parks. He said he has spoke with House Representative Blake Sanders about this issue and Rep. Sanders plans to introduce legislation in Columbia to address the issue.
In the meantime, Burgess said that he has spoken with the State Attorney General, SLED and others about passing a local ordinance to address the issue. “It may be a stretch and only temporary, to deal with it until Columbia does it on the state level.”
Pictured – Williamston Mayor Rockey Burgess takes to contemplate the weeks events Friday afternoon in the Spring Park. This was minutes prior to the park being closed for the evening. (Photo by David Rogers)
Town officials explain decision to close park
Controversy prompts park closure
