West Columbia, SC (Paul Kirby) – The board of director of the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce released a statement Monday following the arrest of their president and CEO last Friday. Richard Skipper has been charged with forgery of less than $10 thousand dollars.
According to police, Skipper submitted false statements for reimbursements of expenses to the City of West Columbia. The funds received as reimbursements were from the Hospitality Tax account. These funds are supposed to be used to attract visitors to the town. In the two cases mentioned by police, they believe he did this several times. He received money that was to be used for the Cayce West Columbia Parade of Lights and the popular Rhythm on The River series.
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In their statement the board of directors said, “On Saturday, May 29, 2020, the Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber Board of Directors was made aware of the arrest of the Chamber’s President/CEO, Richard Skipper. Skipper was put on unpaid administrative leave effective immediately and the Board of Directors and Staff will be cooperating fully with the authorities in any further investigation.”
Their statement continued by saying, “The Board of Directors would like to reassure the community, chamber members, and local municipalities that the alleged actions were that of an individual and the Chamber remains committed to our mission. That is to: To promote and meet the needs of business and industry and to create the best community in which to live, work and do business.
Skipper posted bond and was released from the Lexington County Detention Center Saturday.
