Ex-deputy testifies on Day 1 of suspended Marlboro County sheriff’s federal trial

FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — Suspended Marlboro County Sheriff Charles Lemon’s trial was underway Tuesday in federal court in Florence.

Lemon was indicted in a May 2020 excessive use of force incident at the county’s detention center. He’s accused in the incident of directing his deputy to use a Taser on a prisoner six different times “without legal justification.”

Footage of the incident showed Lemon telling his deputy to take off the victim’s handcuffs and use a Taser on his head when he turns around. That deputy, David Andrew Cook, pleaded guilty in late February.

Cook took the stand during Day 1 of the trial. According to court records, he made a plea agreement which allowed him to testify on Monday in hopes of lessening his sentence.

During Cook’s testimony, the jury learned about his law enforcement training, including how and when to use a Taser. Cook said he felt emotions of fear and adrenaline, saying he wanted to get out of the situation.

Day 2 of the trial began on Wednesday morning. News13 has a crew at the trial and will have live updates throughout our afternoon newscasts.

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Skylar Musick is a multimedia journalist at News13. Skylar is originally from Long Island, New York. She joined the News13 team in June 2024 after graduating from Villanova University in May 2024. Follow Skylar on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook , or Instagram , and read more of her work here .

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Jackie LiBrizzi is a multimedia journalist at News13. Jackie is originally from Hamilton, New Jersey, and was raised in Piedmont, South Carolina. Jackie joined the News13 team in June 2023 after she graduated as a student-athlete from the University of South Carolina in May 2023. Follow Jackie on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook , or Instagram , and read more of her work he r e .

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