The tax assessor for Edgefield County was arrested this month after allegedly striking a woman who came to his office seeking information about her recently purchased home.
Benjamin “Gerry” Coleman, 75, was charged Dec. 2 with third-degree assault and battery and booked into the Edgefield County Detention Center, according to police.
The alleged assault occurred around noon on Nov. 26, when 51-year-old Christie Culbreath entered the Tax Assessor’s Office to ask questions about her property. According to an Edgefield Police Department incident report, Culbreath told officers that Coleman became agitated during their discussion and struck her.
Police said Culbreath showed them a cellphone video she recorded of the encounter. The video, according to the report, shows the two talking about the property before the exchange escalates. Coleman is seen asking Culbreath to leave, and as she turns to go and speaks again, he moves toward her and hits her, the report states. The recording ends immediately after the alleged strike.
A friend of Culbreath said she suffered a black eye and sought treatment at a local hospital. The friend also said Culbreath has retained an attorney.
Police attempted to locate Coleman at the office shortly after the report was filed, but staff told officers he had already left for home in his truck. Investigators later secured a warrant for his arrest.
It was not immediately clear whether Coleman remains employed with the county. A message Thursday to County Administrator David Caddell seeking clarification on Coleman’s employment status was not immediately returned.
The Edgefield County Tax Assessor’s Office is responsible for appraising real property and manufactured homes for tax purposes, conducting mandated reassessments, processing appeals and exemptions, and handling related administrative matters.
