Jasper Co. Treasurer under investigation over alleged gun threats to staff

JASPER COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - A threatening text message attributed to Jasper County Treasurer Michael Skinner has sparked a law enforcement investigation.

County officials say the allegations include both threats directed at county employees and mismanagement of funds, including issuing holiday bonuses to employees after being instructed not to by the county council.

The investigation has temporarily closed the county government building and has introduced new safety measures for county staff.

An executive session of Jasper County Council led to an emergency resolution requiring “immediate safety measures for public facilities, personnel, and resources,” and officials closed the county building in Ridgeland four hours ahead of schedule Friday afternoon.

“When I drove up, I noticed that the lot was kind of empty,” said resident Steve McCormack. “I was a little surprised. I actually looked at the hours on the door and it said until 4 o’clock on Friday.”

People who arrived to conduct business at county offices were turned away after seeing a sign that read “Building Is Closed.” County officials say the closure followed an emergency meeting during which the council voted to enact the safety resolution.

The resolution was issued after county leaders discussed allegations against Treasurer Michael Skinner. According to county officials, Skinner gave holiday bonuses to employees despite a direction from the council not to distribute those funds.

Officials also released an allegedly threatening text message they say was sent by Skinner. The text, redacted for profanity, read in part quote: “Seriously want to walk up to that third floor and empty five blank clips into both them sorry f***ing c***s...”

You can see the text below:

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) says it reviewed the message and “found little to no evidence of any credible threat or danger of violence to county personnel.”

SLED did not immediately disclose whether any charges have been filed.

WTOC reached out to Skinner for comment and have not received a response.

County officials told WTOC the building will remain closed through the weekend and is expected to reopen on Monday, when additional safety measures will be in place. Officials did not disclose the full details of those measures, citing security concerns.

The investigation is ongoing.

WTOC will to continue to update this story as more information becomes available.

[UPDATE 11:35 a.m. 12/12/25] Law enforcement is investigating allegations of the Jasper County Treasurer making comments “suggesting gun violence” toward county staff.

In a press release, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office said upon learning about the allegations, Sheriff Chris Malphrus asked SLED to initiate an independent investigation.

SLED conducted multiple interviews and reported no evidence of credible threats or danger toward county employees, according to the press release.

JSCO said they will continue to support SLED as officials complete the review. The department condemned all forms of political and workplace violence and said it is committed to the safety of county personnel.

[ORIGINAL STORY] - Jasper County held an emergency virtual meeting Friday morning.

In this meeting the council moved to add another item on the agenda- the item was a Motion to Discuss alleged threats made by county treasurer to county staff members. The county voted on this unanimously and it was added into the agenda.

Per meeting agenda notes, they also discussed, “bonus payments by County treasurer” and “misappropriation of public funds.”

SLED is conducting an investigation into the department per the Sheriff’s request, according to the sheriff’s department.

WTOC reached out to SLED for additional information in the investigation, we are waiting to hear back. At this time no charges have been brought against anyone yet.

The county is still currently in executive session, stick with WTOC for more information.