Former N Charleston Officer Lied About Suicide Attempt, Faces SC Criminal Charges

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Veteran of Law Enforcement Lies to Police about Shooting, And Now Faces Criminal Charges

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) arrested a former North Charleston police officer for staging his own shooting earlier this year, and misreporting it to authorities.

The 46-year-old Charles Edward Bullard, Jr, has been charged with misconduct in office, and reporting false information to the police. Both charges are misdemeanors, and could land Bullard a jail sentence of 13 months, and a fine of $1,200. They are not the most serious criminal charges he could face in South Carolina, however.

Bullard was hit by a bullet while wearing a protective vest. Initially, he told the police that someone had confronted him. He reported that on July 4th, early in the morning, he was attacked by someone emerging from behind a River’s Avenue carpet store. He claimed that, in the ensuing struggle, his side arm went off and he accidentally shot himself in the chest. Later, police determined that the shooting was actually a suicide attempt. However, now authorities say that Bullard shot himself to garner sympathy and, ultimately, financial help.

The North Charleston Police Department’s chief discovered the truth about the incident two days later, and Bullard was fired. He then asked SLED to investigate the incident.

Bullard’s attorney, Andy Savage, says he hopes the case will be handled as a medical issue, as Bullard spent some time in treatmentat a behavioral facility after leaving the police department. Another attorney involved in the case, Emily Ayers, revealed that the incident was caused in part by Bullard’s former mistress’s Twitter posts. Allegedly, the woman posted 22,000 tweets, some concerning Bullard’s parental negligence. The former mistress had given birth to Bullard’s son.

Bullard has been released on a $10,470 personal recognizance bond. His wife is not commenting on the story at this time.

The Attorneys at Strom Law, LLC Can Help With South Carolina Criminal Charges

The Strom Law Firm can help with criminal charges
The Strom Law Firm can help with criminal charges

Our approach to South Carolina criminal charges is first to understand your case, and use it as the basis of our solid approach. We provide proactive criminal defense in all counties in South Carolina. We are also licensed in Georgia and New York.

The Strom Law Firm has practiced in South Carolina for 16 years, so we have a detailed understanding of South Carolina criminal charges and laws. We have a sincere concern for the rights and liberties of those facing criminal investigations.

When your freedom, personal and family stability, economic survival, and reputation are at stake — you need a lawyer who understands that and who will fight to protect your interests.

Founded by former U.S. Attorney and assistant solicitor, Pete Strom, our experienced criminal defense attorneys include a former public defender, and a former Assistant Attorney General and Richland County Assistant Solicitor, as well as a tax lawyer familiar with IRS investigations. Our experience and familiarity with prosecutorial techniques provide the basis for experienced and effective legal representation. We will fight hard to have your charges reduced, or even dismissed.

Criminal Charges in South Carolina Do Not Mean You Are Guilty

Being arrested or investigated for a crime can mean many things, but it does not mean you are guilty and that you have no rights. Thecriminal defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help you with South Carolina criminal charges in all counties, including Charleston, Orangeburg, Richland, and Lexington. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case, so do not hesitate to contact us.

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