Spartanburg Councilman Bob Walker, 83, Charged With Domestic Violence Days Before Exit

Spartanburg County Councilman Bob Walker, 83, was arrested Friday and charged with third-degree domestic violence, according to deputies. Walker, who represents District 5, was released on a personal recognizance bond shortly after his arrest.

The Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office confirmed the arrest, and Walker was charged with domestic violence, third degree, per deputies, as reported by FOX Carolina. The outlet's report does not detail the specific allegations that led to his arrest, and those details remain unknown.

Walker has represented District 5 on the county council since 2014 and currently chairs its Public Health and Human Services Committee, according to Spartanburg County records. Before joining county government, he served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1993 through the end of 2008, representing District 38 and chairing the House Education and Public Works Committee.

A Career Already Winding Down

Walker's arrest comes just months before he was already set to leave public life. In March, he announced he would not seek reelection to his council seat when his four-year term ends in December, citing health issues and fading memory, the Post and Courier reported at the time. That announcement set off a Republican primary for his seat between Brent D. Cobb, Spartanburg County's veteran affairs director, and Betty Montgomery, the same outlet noted.

Walker is also a U.S. Air Force veteran who flew as a pilot during the Vietnam War era. He was later inducted into the South Carolina Aviation Hall of Fame as its Aviator of the Year in 2007, according to state legislative records.

What Third-Degree Domestic Violence Means Under State Law

The available reports identify the allegation as third-degree domestic violence but do not provide details about its legal classification, penalties or elements.

The available reports do not address firearm restrictions associated with a domestic-violence conviction.

Other Council Charges

District 1 Councilmember Monier “Mo” Abusaft was arrested on a third-degree assault charge on March 5, posted bond shortly afterward, and later announced a state legislative campaign, according to the Post and Courier.

The available reports do not discuss the governor's authority to suspend local officials, any 2021 South Carolina Supreme Court decision on domestic-violence charges, or whether McMaster will suspend Walker or Walker will continue serving on council while the charge is pending.