Letter to the editor: Rep. Smith's work has reduced numbers of criminal cases over 3 years old, improved our state

During and after the COVID lockdowns, the South Carolina criminal justice system was in crisis. With courts shut down, cases could not move, jails became overcrowded, and victims of crime were denied closure they so desperately sought.

Many of us involved in the criminal justice system to include law enforcement, public defenders, prosecutors, court personnel and many others met with Murrell Smith to address this serious issue.

Murrell spearheaded increased funding that allowed agencies to hire and retain critical components of the criminal justice system from cops to courts, while at the same time requiring accountability for taxpayer dollars.

His vision and commitment to this issue have resulted in a 28.3% statewide reduction in criminal cases over 3 years old.

Public Defender offices (which handle approximately 70 percent of all criminal cases) have reduced the number of their cases over a year old by 34% while also protecting the right of due process guaranteed to all citizens by our Constitution.

Murrell sought funding for two violent crime prosecutors in the S.C Attorney General's Office, which have directed much of their efforts to prosecuting violent crime in Sumter County.

This is just one example of many where Murrell has been a game changer in seeking to improve the state's quality of life. It is no surprise that South Carolina leads the nation in new residents. This has not happened by chance. It has happened because of leaders such as Murrell and our citizens who have created a place where people want to live and raise their families.

I humbly ask that you support Murrell on Nov. 3 so he can continue to provide the leadership that makes S.C. and Sumter County a great place to call home!

HUGH RYAN

Wedgefield