Wagener, South Carolina, August 20, 2025
News Summary
In Wagener, South Carolina, former fire chiefs Mark Redd and David Watson have been arrested on fraud charges. Redd faces multiple charges involving misuse of town funds, while Watson is accused of claiming excessive overtime pay. The fire department has faced significant turmoil, leading to mass resignations and diminished community trust. New leadership aims to restore stability as the case unfolds with a court date set for October 24.
Wagener, South Carolina – Two former fire chiefs of the Wagener Fire Department have been arrested on fraud charges as the agency grapples with ongoing internal turmoil. Mark Redd, 66, and David Watson, 52, were taken into custody by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on August 19, 2025. They were subsequently booked into the Aiken County Detention Center but released on bond shortly thereafter.
Redd, who served over 40 years with the fire department before being dismissed in 2020, faces multiple charges including misconduct in office, malfeasance, misfeasance, nonfeasance, and breach of trust with fraudulent intent. The allegations involve improper use of the Town of Wagener’s Security Federal bank account for personal financial gain between September 17, 2007, and January 7, 2016. It is claimed that Redd wrote checks to himself and family members totaling approximately $6,200, claimed $750 for undisclosed expenses, and used town funds to purchase firearm components valued at around $420.
Watson, who resigned as fire chief in October 2023, is charged with breach of trust with fraudulent intent for allegedly claiming $42,208.56 in overtime pay from June 30, 2022, to October 4, 2023, while serving as a maintenance supervisor for the town. Reports indicate that he averaged about 26 hours of overtime weekly during this period.
The situation within the Wagener Fire Department has been deteriorating since Redd’s dismissal in 2020, prompting significant leadership turnover and mass resignations among volunteer firefighters. In 2024, 19 out of 25 volunteer firefighters left the department citing financial issues and a lack of oversight and proper equipment as primary reasons for their departure.
To address the crisis, Hendrik Swanepoel was recently named the new fire chief. Swanepoel’s immediate task has been to stabilize the department by engaging neighboring fire departments for additional fire protection services while working to restore confidence in the organization.
Redd and Watson are scheduled to appear in court on October 24, 2025. Community members have expressed significant frustration regarding the ongoing issues within the fire department, particularly concerning diminished response times attributed to the leadership challenges and management disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges are Mark Redd and David Watson facing?
Mark Redd is charged with misconduct in office, malfeasance, misfeasance, nonfeasance, and breach of trust with fraudulent intent. David Watson is charged with breach of trust with fraudulent intent.
What led to the arrests of the former fire chiefs?
The arrests stemmed from allegations of fraudulent financial activities involving the misuse of town funds and false overtime claims while serving in their roles as fire chiefs.
When is the court date for Redd and Watson?
The court date for Mark Redd and David Watson is set for October 24, 2025.
How has the fire department been affected by these events?
The Wagener Fire Department has experienced significant turmoil, characterized by mass resignations and a turnover of leadership, impacting response times and community trust.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrest Date | August 19, 2025 |
| Former Fire Chiefs | Mark Redd (66) and David Watson (52) |
| Charges Against Redd | Misconduct in office, malfeasance, misfeasance, nonfeasance, breach of trust (valued between $2,000 and $10,000) |
| Charges Against Watson | Breach of trust (valued over $10,000) |
| Court Date | October 24, 2025 |
| Impact on Fire Department | Mass resignations and leadership issues affecting community response times |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Aiken’s Choice Contest Nominations Now Open
Additional Resources
- WRDW: 2 Former Wagener Fire Chiefs Arrested by SLED
- Wikipedia: Wagener, South Carolina
- WJBF: Two Former Wagener Fire Chiefs Arrested by SLED
- Google Search: Wagener Fire Department
- WFXG: Local Resident Appointed Fire Chief of Wagener Fire Department
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Department
- Post and Courier: Wagener Fire Department Updates
- Google News: Wagener Fire Department Leadership
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
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