News Release: Former Deputy Arrested

07/04/26

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announces the arrest of a former deputy, Michael Kennedy, 36, on charges of DUI.

On July 3, 2026, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the South Carolina Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that Kennedy was driving. Kennedy was believed to be under the influence of alcohol and was placed under arrest for DUI. He was off duty and in his personal car at the time of the arrest. He was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center.

Kennedy was immediately suspended without pay and is no longer employed with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Kennedy was employed with RCSD for less than 3 years.