School board leader in South Carolina district charged with child-sex crimes, cops say

A top Florence County School District 5 leader was arrested on child sex charges Thursday, according to the sheriff’s office.

Christopher Garrett Marsh, 51, resigned as board of trustees chairman Wednesday without explanation, WBTW reported.

Marsh was appointed in 2019, and his term was set to expire in 2023.

He is facing two counts of 1st-degree sexual conduct with a minor, two counts of 2nd-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, and two 3rd-degree counts of sexual conduct with a minor.

Marsh’s alleged abuse stretches back to at least 2015, beginning when the victim was 5 years old, according to investigators. Police say that abuse was ongoing until at least February.

The arrest resulted from an “extensive investigation” by child abuse investigators with the sheriff’s office, a statement said.

The district’s board of trustees has called a special meeting for 7 p.m. Thursday “in regards to a trustee resignation.”

Superintendent Randy Smiley told McClatchy News that the district is aware of Marsh’s arrest but will not comment any further “while the matter is pending,” citing board policy.

Mary Costa King Marsh, 40, also was arrested Thursday on two counts of unlawful child neglect, according to the sheriff’s office. She is a school district employee and is on leave, Smiley said.

This story was originally published March 4, 2021 at 1:52 PM with the headline "School board leader in South Carolina district charged with child-sex crimes, cops say."