News Summary
Stacey Franklin, principal of Killian Elementary School, was arrested for DUI during a checkpoint in Manning. He was found with an open alcohol container and showed signs of impairment. After failing sobriety tests, he was taken into custody. Following the incident, he was placed on administrative leave by the school district. The case raises concerns about accountability among public figures, especially in education, as Franklin is set to appear in court for trial soon.
Manning, SC – North Augusta Elementary School Principal Arrested for DUI, Attempts to Intimidate Arresting Officer
Stacey Franklin, the principal of Killian Elementary School in Richland County, was arrested on July 4 for driving under the influence (first offense) and possessing an open container of alcohol in his vehicle. The incident occurred during a DUI checkpoint in Manning around 10:30 p.m. that evening.
Master Trooper Joseph Blanding, the arresting officer, reported a strong odor of alcohol emanating from Franklin’s vehicle. Upon observation, Franklin exhibited bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. Initially, he denied having consumed alcohol but later admitted to drinking beer earlier that day at a cookout in Georgetown, approximately 60 miles from the checkpoint.
While further examining the vehicle, officers discovered an insulated cup containing a tan-colored liquid that also smelled like alcohol. Franklin consented to undergo a series of field sobriety tests, which ultimately suggested impairment. After noting these indicators of intoxication, he was handcuffed and taken to the front seat of the patrol car.
During the arrest, Franklin’s wife, Monica Blair Franklin, was questioned regarding his alcohol consumption. She also denied any alcohol use. However, she attempted to dissuade the officer by mentioning a connection to Manning’s Police Chief Keith Grice, who previously served as a state highway patrol commander. Throughout the encounter, Blair Franklin demonstrated no signs of impairment.
After his arrest, Franklin was transported to the Clarendon County Detention Center but opted not to provide a breath sample to determine his blood-alcohol content (BAC). The legal limit for BAC while driving in South Carolina is 0.08%. Following the incident, he was released on a personal recognizance bond on July 5.
Franklin is scheduled to appear for trial on August 13, as per Clarendon County court records. Following this incident, he has been placed on administrative leave by the Richland Two school district. The district has not specified how long this leave will last or who will assume Franklin’s duties at Killian Elementary School, which serves approximately 750 students from preschool to fifth grade.
Stacey Franklin has been serving as the principal at Killian Elementary School since 2016. His position is central to the functioning of the school, and his recent conduct has raised questions regarding leadership within the district. In light of these events, representatives of the Richland Two school district have not offered comments on the matter or Franklin’s future with the school.
The incident reflects broader concerns about how public figures, particularly those in educational roles, are held accountable for their actions outside of their professional responsibilities. The upcoming trial will likely explore these concerns further and may influence public perception of school administration in the region.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WACH: Columbia SC Brace for Wet Weather
- Columbia Tribune: Heavy Rain and Flooding Forecast
- Post and Courier: Rain and Thunderstorms in Midlands
- NBC Right Now: Warm Weather and Thunderstorms
- Wikipedia: Weather
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