Beaufort’s Harassment Lawsuit Heads to Jury Selection Amid Community Upheaval

Beaufort in the Spotlight: Harassment Suit Goes to Jury Selection

The charming city of Beaufort is buzzing with attention as the jury selection process kicked off this week for a notable harassment lawsuit. The case has drawn the eye of many locals and has been making headlines since it was first filed back in August 2020. The plaintiff, Maria Walls, is suing both Beaufort County and former county auditor James Beckert.

A Closer Look at the Allegations

In her lawsuit, Walls alleges that Beckert engaged in a pattern of “harassing, bullying, defaming and threatening” behavior toward her over several years. It’s a serious claim, and the process to bring this to light wasn’t easy for her. Prior to taking legal action, Walls sought assistance from multiple sources within the county, including the Beaufort County Administrator, Deputy County Administrator, and even members of the Beaufort County Council. She also approached the County Attorney, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Human Resources Department—indicating that she had tried multiple avenues for support.

According to the lawsuit, Walls says the environment fostered by Beckert created a workplace that was anything but safe. She described instances where Beckert’s conduct made her feel uncomfortable and unsafe, recalling one particularly threatening comment he made about hoping nothing bad happened to her when she was out of the office, especially after learning she was pregnant.

Allegations of Stalking and Bullying

Among the unsettling claims in the lawsuit is that Beckert would frequently stand outside Walls’ office window, watching her in a manner intended to instill fear. The suit even includes claims that he used county security cameras to effectively “stalk” her. This led to Walls feeling as though her personal space was being invaded at work.

But Walls is not alone in her allegations. At least two other former county employees, Alicia Holland and Amanda Paulsen, have also filed similar suits against Beckert. Holland’s case remains pending, while Paulsen reportedly reached a settlement in April 2024, though her lawsuit is still officially marked as pending in judicial records.

The County’s Stance

The situation has not gone unnoticed by the judiciary either. Recently, South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Robert Bonds rejected attempts made by Beckert and Beaufort County to dismiss Walls’ lawsuit on the grounds of his behavior. It seems the county’s attorneys acknowledged that Beckert’s actions were indeed “hostile, chauvinistic and abusive,” but argued that the county should not be held accountable for Beckert’s conduct.

Further Legal Action

As if one lawsuit weren’t enough, Walls has another pending case against Beaufort County that claims she faced retaliation in her official capacity as Treasurer. Clearly, this is a situation that continues to unfold, and the outcome of these legal challenges might reshape how governance is handled in Beaufort County moving forward.

What’s Next for Beaufort?

As the jury selection progresses, the local community is keeping a close watch on how this case will play out. With such serious accusations and allegations of workplace bullying and harassment in the mix, the eyes of many in Beaufort are turned towards the courtroom. Perhaps more importantly, this case highlights the broader issue of creating a safe and respectful work environment for all county employees.

The future for Beaufort’s public administration and the individuals involved hangs in the balance as the community rallies for answers. It seems that taking a stand against harassment is more critical now than ever, and residents are looking for positive changes within their local government.