In December of 2023 gravestones in Ackerman Cemetery in Cottageville were toppled over in an act of vandalism. Three individuals were apprehended, two juveniles and an adult. A judge sentenced the two juveniles to make monetary restitution in the amount of $2,400 and serve 3 years’ probation. According to Danny Dandridge, trustee for the cemetery, the two young men expressed remorse for their actions and apologized. Dandridge while speaking on behalf of the victims of the crime hopes the vandals have learned from their actions and will make better decisions and conduct themselves better in the future. The adult arrested for his participation in the crime, Ethan Cole Melton will appear in court February 16 at the Courthouse in Colleton County. He is charged with desecration of a burial ground.
