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Serving South Carolina in Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon and Marlboro Counties. |
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Fourth Circuit Solicitor's Office |
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Message from Jay Hodge, Solicitor “When I ran for Solicitor in 1996, my goal was to make the system responsive to Society’s needs by incarcerating those who commit violent crimes and offering a second chance to first-time and non-violent offenders. I am happy to report, there are now many treatment and diversion programs available, with an emphasis on our young people. Violent offenders know that they can expect a prison sentence.
These past 11 years have been challenging and, most recently, rewarding. While I am proud of the various Treatment Courts and our widespread use of Equine Therapy, I am also thankful for the dedication and support of the staff of the Fourth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. During my tenure, we have grown from eight employees to almost 50, and there are innumerable volunteers who assist throughout the four counties. Without the dedication of all these people, we could not offer the programs we do. There is no overtime pay for those who make the annual golf tournament a success, or those who work tirelessly during the month of summer camp, or those who spend weekends and work late night hours to prepare for Court.
During the past two months, I have given thoughtful consideration to the future of this office and also to my own future. I have decided that I will retire as Solicitor for the Fourth Judicial Circuit when my term expires in January, 2009.
I am anxious to begin work on the development of the Center for Change, a program that will be located in a 70-bed nursing home near Cheraw. This project will offer help and assistance to victims of domestic abuse and will include apartments that will be available to victims for up to two years, retail space and classrooms. I want to undertake this challenge. While I will miss the work that I have done for the past 11 years, I am confident in both my decision and the work ahead.
It has been my honor and privilege to serve the people of Chesterfield, Marlboro, Dillon and Darlington Counties. Thank you for your vote and support during three elections and especially for your support of this office’s programs that offer those in need a second chance. I have faith that my successor will continue and expand the work of this office.”
Sincerely,
Jay Hodge
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