Former Colleton County Sheriff Robert A. “Andy” Strickland Jr. has been arrested and charged with domestic violence for the second time, according to law enforcement records. Strickland, already on probation for previous convictions including misconduct in office, assault and battery in the third degree, and breach of trust with fraudulent intent, was taken into custody by deputies from the Bamberg County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) over the weekend.
Strickland’s latest arrest stems from an incident on Saturday, February 15, 2025, during an argument with his girlfriend. Law enforcement reports indicate Strickland allegedly slapped his girlfriend in the face and pulled her hair out. The girlfriend reportedly attempted to call for help earlier in the day, but Strickland allegedly slapped the phone out of her hand and refused to return it.
Strickland was charged with second-degree domestic violence and was transported to the Bamberg County detention center. Though the details of his bond hearing are unclear, Strickland was quickly released from custody. His charges have yet to appear on the state’s public index, and the detention center declined to release his booking photo.
This arrest follows Strickland’s suspension in 2019 by Governor Henry McMaster after Strickland was arrested by S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED) agents for assaulting his wife. He was indicted on multiple public corruption charges, facing 15 counts related to misconduct in both Horry and Colleton counties, where he had served as sheriff since 2012.
As part of a plea deal, Strickland resigned as sheriff and permanently relinquished his law enforcement credentials. He was sentenced to five years of probation, 200 hours of community service, and random drug and alcohol testing.
Strickland’s latest arrest will be prosecuted by S.C. second circuit solicitor Bill Weeks, who is known for handling high-profile cases.
