Senators question bill on red-light cameras
COLUMBIA - Some senators say a bill letting local governments use cameras to catch people running red lights could be unconstitutional.
People caught by the cameras would face a civil fine, while those caught the old-fashioned way would be charged with a crime.
The Senate has been debating legislation that would let local governments use cameras to take dozens of pictures a second showing a car running a red light. Under the bill Sen. Scott Richardson, R-Hilton Head Island, has been pushing, tickets with civil fines would be issued to the car owner.
The legislation doesn't require local governments to use that system or change the existing laws on red lights.
"In one county it is a crime, and in another county it is not. That is a valid equal protection question," said Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston.
Doctor prescribed painkillers illegally
COLUMBIA - An Upstate doctor has been found guilty of providing high doses of painkillers to patients, acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan Gasser said Wednesday.
A federal jury on Tuesday convicted Dr. Ronald A. McIver, 61, of Hodges, of eight counts of distribution of controlled substances and one count of conspiracy. Dr. McIver is awaiting sentencing.
Prosecutors said Dr. McIver, an osteopathic doctor, prescribed painkillers such as oxycodone and methadone to addicts and abusers. An expert for the prosecution who had reviewed Dr. McIver's medical files testified that he was prescribing drugs for illegitimate purposes.
Dr. McIver operated a pain therapy clinic in Greenwood from 2001 until April 2004.
3 teens are arrested over gun at school
GAFFNEY - Three teens were arrested Wednesday after a 13-year-old boy brought a handgun to Gaffney Middle School, police said.
The student showed the gun to other students, who told school officials, police Capt. Chris Skinner said. The .25-caliber automatic handgun was recovered without incident.
The student has been charged with possession of a gun on school grounds. His twin brother, also a student at Gaffney Middle School, and a 16-year-old boy who attends Cherokee Alternative School have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to bring a gun to school.
All three also face charges of breaking into a motor vehicle and larceny of a gun.
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