By Andy Ann
On Monday, Jan. 24 a small group of people held a protest near the Colleton County courthouse. The group was demonstrating near the water fountain on the corner of Jefferies Boulevard and E. Washington Street.
The peaceful demonstrators were intent to capitalize on the media coverage visiting during the Murdaugh murder trials. They want to get their message out about their stance against a halfway house that is slated to open within the community.
The proposed halfway house is part of Shield Ministries and has been a contention within the county for several months. Over 1,500 signatures had been collected and presented as a petition to Colleton County Council at the last meeting in January. Residents are opposing the potential housing project because it will bring in convicted men with criminal records, including registered sex offenses in the middle of a highly populated residential area on Barracada Road.
One sign read, “Don’t shield pedophiles in the ‘boro.” Other signs said, “No pedophile housing in our community,” and “Stop Shield Ministries, save our children.”
