The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating a disorderly conduct incident involving Rock Hill City Council member Sarah Vining. WCCB reported that no charges had been filed and the investigation was active and ongoing. WBTV reported that the inquiry followed a referral from the Rock Hill Police Department. The city lists Vining as its Ward 6 representative.
The incident took place Oct. 9 near a neighborhood park, while two girls were riding a golf cart. Their parents gave WBTV a recording in which a woman identifying herself as Vining confronts the girls, according to the station. WBTV reported that she was seeking two boys connected to an earlier incident involving her daughter and believed the girls’ cart resembled the one used then. The girls told her they had no knowledge of or involvement in the matter, the station reported.
WBTV’s account of the recording says Vining threatened to hurt the girls if they stalked her daughter and warned they could be jailed if the situation happened again. The girls’ parents told WBTV that the cart was a common model used in the neighborhood.
The parents told WBTV they wanted Vining to apologize publicly and resign from council. Payton George, the mother of one of the girls, said she later spoke with Vining at her home but the conversation did not resolve the matter, according to the station. WBTV also reported that Vining and the Rock Hill mayor did not respond to emailed requests for comment.
Sources: WBTV reported the recording, parents’ account and referral; WCCB reported the investigation status; the city’s council listing identifies Vining as the Ward 6 representative.
