FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Susan McGill, the first Black woman elected solicitor of the 12th Judicial Circuit, says tackling a backlog of criminal cases and overhauling the juvenile department will be among her top priorities when she takes office in January.
McGill, a Democrat, defeated Republican Ryan White in Tuesday’s election, making history in a race to lead the office responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in Florence and Marion counties.
She will succeed longtime Solicitor Ed Clements, who did not seek reelection after serving seven terms.
McGill said she plans to immediately address delays in moving criminal cases through the court system, arguing that too many victims and their families have been waiting years for justice.
“One of the first things that I plan to do is make sure that we assess and really work on that case backlog. You know, the reality of it is that cases have been sitting entirely too long. This circuit has fallen considerably in terms of their ranking for moving cases in the state. They are in the lower end of the spectrum now. We’re going to move that needle and get these old cases off the docket and get these victims justice,” McGill said.
McGill said improving the circuit’s ability to move cases through the courts will be a major focus of her administration.
She also wants to make significant changes to how the solicitor’s office handles juvenile cases, with an emphasis on helping young people avoid further involvement in the criminal justice system while addressing violent crime.
“The other thing that I’m going to do is entirely revamp the juvenile department and just make sure that we are critically assessing those cases so that we can save some of our youth and make sure that we’re tackling violent crime,” McGill said.
Her election marks a historic milestone for the 12th Judicial Circuit, which has never before elected a Black solicitor.
TO READ MORE: 2 African American women make history in Pee Dee elections
McGill said she is grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Florence and Marion counties and recognizes the significance of her victory.
“I’m just so honored to be, you know, working for this community in this capacity. Having an historic election. Being the first African-American solicitor in this state. I’m just eternally grateful for everybody that worked on this campaign. And most importantly, so thankful to God, that he did this for us,” McGill said.
McGill’s victory also means new leadership for the solicitor’s office after more than two decades under Clements.
While celebrating the historic win, McGill said she understands the challenges ahead and is preparing to begin work as soon as she takes office.
“I’m excited about taking office, but I know there’s work to be done. And so I’m ready to hit the ground running, and I just count on the community to still support me through this process as we continue to work for this community,” McGill said.
McGill said that, for her, it’s about moving cases forward, reducing backlogs, holding offenders accountable and recognizing when a second chance is appropriate.
Source: wpde.com
