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ATLANTIC BEACH NC June 24 2012 -- Atlantic Beach police arrested their own Housing Authority chair Thursday for Impersonating a Public Official, but the town's judge dropped the charge just 16 hours later.
Since 2009, Gary Bell has conducted Atlantic Beach's Housing Authority meetings and during Thursday night's meeting, an Atlantic Beach Sergeant John Jackson walked him out in handcuffs.
Bell was booked at J. Reuben Long Detention Center at 6:52 p.m. Thursday and released at 11:16 a.m. Friday.
Town judge, Cheveron Scott, dismissed the charge against Bell, saying it was improperly filed.
Jackson charged Bell for Impersonating an Official on a traffic ticket.
Scott said Jackson needed a warrant to make such a charge against Bell.
"It was really really hell," said Bell. "I've never been to jail in my life. I'm 51-years-old.. never been to jail, sleeping on hard benches for no reason."
Atlantic Beach Mayor Retha Pierce said Bell was kicked off of the Housing Authority because he no longer lives in the town. Pierce is still mayor because Jake Evans, the candidate who won the May election, still hasn't been sworn in.
But the South Carolina Housing Authority official, Larry Knightner, said South Carolina code Section 31-3-970 states being a resident is not a requirement to serve on a housing authority board.
Knightner said Bell cannot be taken off as chair unless town council finds a legitimate reason to relieve him of his appointment.
Bell's term ends next May, said Knightner.
On Friday, Atlantic Beach decided to hold a town council meeting at 2 p.m. Saturday
Council members are expected to discuss the Housing Authority Board during that meeting.
NewsChannel 15 is still awaiting a copy of Bell's arrest report from Atlantic Beach Police Chief Mike Bordner.
Source:carolinalive.com
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