MURRELLS INLET -- David Jolliff, the man nominated by Senator Ray Cleary to fill an upcoming magistrate's position vacancy in Murrells Inlet, has withdrawn his name from consideration, according to his attorney N. David Durant.
Senator Cleary sent Jolliff's name to Governor Nikki Haley Thursday as an official nominee for the position.
Several former and current leaders in Georgetown County disagreed with Cleary's nomination of Jolliff. Thursday, Georgetown County Sheriff Lane Cribb, County Council Vice Chairman Jerry Oakley, Former County Councilman Glen O'Connell, Former County Councilman Tom Swatzel, and Preserve Murrells Inlet President Bill Chandler issued a statement saying, "Senator Cleary's submission of Dave Jolliff's nomination to Governor Haley is very disappointing and goes against the overwhelming community opposition to the nomination. We call on Governor Haley to swiftly reject this nomination and to insist on a nominee for magistrate who exhibits good judgment, has judicial temperament, and is highly respected in the Murrells Inlet community."
Dave Jolliff, 36, is a former Horry County police officer.
According to Horry County police, Jolliff was disciplined twice during his time at the department. In 2005, reports say he was verbally counseled for an alcohol related issue. Then in 2006, Jolliff was suspended after a report said he was "out of control" and "intoxicated". The report also says Jolliff urinated on a car outside a bar.
Jolliff sent a letter to Senator Cleary Friday, withdrawing his name from consideration. You can read that letter in its entirety below:
The Honorable Senator Raymond E Cleary, III
501 Gressette Building
Columbia, 29201
Dear Senator Cleary:
Please accept this letter as my official withdrawal from consideration for the position of Magistrate in Murrells Inlet. I have made this decision entirely on my own with the advice and counsel of my supporters, friends, family and legal counsel.
When I first submitted my name for your consideration, I did so out of my conviction that I would bring extensive experience to the residents of Murrells Inlet as their new Magistrate.
Although the position requires a recommendation to the Governor by you my State Senator, I really never considered the job to be "political" in nature... just the next logical step in my lifelong service in law enforcement. I'm certainly not perfect, but I am extremely proud of my record and accomplishments. I was honored, but not the least bit surprised, that the private investigators you retained out of your own personal funds concluded that I would make an excellent magistrate.
As I have shared in several media interviews, I am grateful that you continued to believe in me throughout this entire process, often against mounting considerable political pressure and I trust that the report will help vindicate your decision to recommend me in the first place.
In spite of my strong desire to serve, I refuse to have my character and reputation tarnished as a pawn by those who are using me as a political football. I now painfully understand what it means to be the victim of the politics of personal destruction. I am also embarrassed and seriously concerned that an unhealthy culture of politics, power and favoritism exists in Horry County law enforcement and contributed greatly to this situation. Whomever you next recommend for this position deserves better.
Senator Cleary, I am forever grateful to for the time you invested in me and for your steadfast belief that I would be a worthy replacement for Judge Moeller. I am proud to have met you and to have you as my State Senator.
Sincerely,
David Jolliff
