MAGISTRATE RELEASED ON BOND

Sumter County Magistrate Warren Curtis was released on bond Friday from the
Sumter County Correctional Center, where he was held overnight on drug
charges.

Curtis, 43, who was to be named chief magistrate on July 1, was arrested
Thursday afternoon and charged with distribution of cocaine, possession
with intent to distribute cocaine and violation of an open container law.

Officials at the State Law Enforcement Division said the arrest was the
result of a joint investigation with the Sumter County Sheriff's Office
dating back about a month. The South Carolina Supreme Court will decide
whether or not it will suspend Curtis' judgeship.

"We will be working on that," Leventis said. "Both of us feel that summary
court is a very important element. We haven't gotten there yet, but we'll
find a way to ensure that the summary court is in good shape."

Third Circuit Judge Howard P. King set Curtis' bond for the drug charges at
$10,000 surety at a mid-day hearing. Curtis is scheduled to appear in the
July 22 term of general sessions court. Curtis was issued a courtesy
summons for the open container charge. He is scheduled to appear in court
on June 25 for that charge.

Officers from the Sumter City-County Drug Unit arrested Curtis on U.S. 378
near S.C. 441 at about 5:55 p.m. Thursday. SLED officials would not release
details of the arrest or what prompted their investigation. The quantity of
cocaine that Curtis is accused of carrying was unclear. The charges
indicate that an amount in excess of 10 grains, or roughly two-thirds of a
gram, were discovered.

Curtis

Curtis is a former partner in the law firm of Weinberg and Brown and served
as chairman of the Sumter County Republican Party before he was appointed
as a magistrate in the beginning of May. Magistrates are not permitted to
be affiliated with party activity. Curtis was selected to fill the post of
chief magistrate when George McFaddin vacates that position at the end of
this month to assume a family court judgeship.

McFaddin said the charges against Curtis would not endanger any decisions
that Curtis made as a magistrate. He would not comment on the charges.

"It is improper for me to comment on any impending litigation or a personal
matter," he said.

Brian Benenhaley, current chairman of the local Republican Party, said he
would be meeting with other members of the party Friday.

"I would not have anticipated this in a million years," Benenhaley said.
"Warren Curtis has many friends in the Republican Party, including myself,
but I don't think this reflects on the party... I don't think it is a
political issue."

Curtis was treasurer of Rep. Murrell Smith's campaign for the District 68
seat three years ago.

"I'm absolutely shocked. Words can't express the shock I'm in," Smith said.
"I'm keeping his family and his two children in my prayers. I know Warren
well, and this completely surprises me... In the bar circle, everyone is
just stunned."

Curtis' wife, Kristi, is an attorney for Sumter County.