Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announced today the arrest of Eric Allen Barber (DOB 12-1-67 of 3431 Covenant Road Apart R-1, Columbia) who has been charged with misconduct in office.

Sheriff Lott stated that Barber was a deputy Sheriff from July 2006 until today when he was terminated and arrested – he was assigned to work at Dent Middle School as a school resource officer. Barber failed to properly and faithfully discharge his duties in that he did inappropriately hug two fourteen year old students after being trained and instructed not to touch any students.   

Sheriff Lott stated that school resource officers are given specific instruction (during formal training held by our department) on appropriate and inappropriate contact with children due to the deputies daily contact with children – that Barber, after receiving this formal training hugged two female students. In February 2008 it was reported by the school, to the Sheriff’s Department that Barber was hugging students and Barber received counseling from the department on this behavior. After training and counseling, Barber continued to hug students at which time the Sheriff terminated Barber and had him arrested.

Sheriff Lott stated that all citizens need to know that if they have a concern about the conduct of a deputy they need to come forward because your concern will be looked into and appropriate action will be taken. Sheriff Lott concluded by saying that no matter who you are if you break the law you will be prosecuted.