Former Mayor Charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct

Calhoun Falls, South Carolina, October 10, 2025

News Summary

Johnnie Waller, the former mayor of Calhoun Falls, has been charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct related to an incident involving a vulnerable patient at Self Regional Healthcare. The incident, reported by hospital staff, raised immediate concerns due to the patient’s lack of decision-making capacity. Waller has been arrested, released on bond, and banned from the hospital’s properties. The Greenwood Police Department is actively investigating the situation to uncover further details regarding hospital protocols and visitor interactions.

Calhoun Falls, South Carolina – Johnnie Waller, the former mayor of Calhoun Falls, has been charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct in connection with an incident involving a vulnerable patient at Self Regional Healthcare. Waller, 71, is accused of inappropriate conduct that occurred inside a hospital room on September 27, 2025.

Police officers responded to reports from hospital staff who raised immediate concerns regarding Waller’s interaction with the patient. The incident has drawn significant attention due to the patient’s specific situation; the individual has been under the care of the hospital since early 2025 and has been determined by multiple physicians to lack decision-making capacity.

Following the reported incident, an investigation was swiftly initiated to ascertain whether criminal conduct had transpired. Authorities collected surveillance footage and statements from hospital staff as part of the probe. Subsequently, Waller was arrested and booked into the Greenwood County Detention Center. After his arrest, he was released on bond, but he has been formally banned from all Self Regional Healthcare properties.

The Greenwood Police Department remains actively engaged in the investigation to uncover additional details surrounding the incident. In compliance with legal requirements, Self Regional Healthcare promptly notified law enforcement about the suspicious activity observed in the hospital.

Self Regional Healthcare maintains a series of safety measures, including comprehensive safety training for their staff and surveillance cameras throughout the facility. According to hospital statements, the arrested individual, Waller, has never been employed by or affiliated with Self Regional Healthcare. Although the hospital does not have a specific policy in place for visiting clergy, they adhere to general visitation policies to regulate access to patients.

The current allegations against Waller and the nature of the incident have resulted in heightened scrutiny around the protocols governing patient interactions, especially concerning individuals in pastoral roles who visit patients for spiritual support. The hospital is committed to cooperating with the Greenwood Police Department throughout the ongoing investigation.

The legal situation surrounding Waller continues to evolve as authorities work to establish the full context of the accusations and any potential ramifications for hospital policies regarding visits from public figures and clergy.

Key Facts About the Incident

• Accused: Johnnie Waller, former mayor of Calhoun Falls
• Charges: Third-degree criminal sexual conduct
• Incident Date: September 27, 2025
• Location: Self Regional Healthcare
• Patient Status: Lacks decision-making capacity, in care since early 2025
• Current Status: Released on bond, banned from hospital properties
• Investigation: Ongoing by Greenwood Police Department

Frequently Asked Questions

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Additional Resources

• WYFF4: Former Mayor Charged
• Wikipedia: Calhoun Falls
• Fox Carolina: Mayor Arrested
• Google Search: Johnnie Waller Calhoun Falls
• Audacy: Former Mayor Arrested
• Google Scholar: Criminal Sexual Conduct South Carolina
• Index Journal: Water Break
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Criminal Conduct
• Newspapers.com: Local News
• Google News: Calhoun Falls Mayor Arrest

Author: HERE Greenwood

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