|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Anderson, SC (BFMG) — Gary Burgess, a prominent member of the Anderson County Board of Education and a longtime figure in local education, resigned from his position as vice chairman of the board following his arrest on charges of criminal sexual conduct with a child, officials confirmed Monday. Burgess, 67, has not, however, resigned from his seat on the board.
Burgess was arrested on November 27 and charged with two counts of sexually assaulting a minor. Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office investigators allege that Burgess assaulted an 11-year-old child twice in 1976, when he was 18 years old.
Board Resignation Amid Ongoing Allegations
On December 2, Burgess officially resigned as vice chair of the Anderson County School Board, according to board administrator Susan Binninger. However, he remains an active member of the board. Binninger noted that Burgess provided additional context for his resignation but declined to elaborate further according to WYFF.
Burgess, who served as a former superintendent of Anderson County School District 4 and a principal at Pendleton High School, did not respond to requests for comment from local media but denied the allegations in a statement to WYFF4.
“This allegation is not true, and I will fight it in the court of law,” Burgess said. He described the accuser as a “distant family member” with whom he has had no significant interactions.
A Career in Education and Ministry
Despite the charges, Burgess’ teaching certifications remain active as of December 2, according to state records. Burgess is also the pastor of the Universal Body of Christ Church in Inman, located in Spartanburg County, where he is still listed as a leader on the church’s website. Church officials could not be reached for comment.
Burgess’ career has not been without controversy. The Post and Courier reported that in 2008, he retired from his position as Anderson District 4 superintendent after being accused of intimidation by a school nurse. The incident was widely publicized and marked a turbulent end to his tenure in district administration.
Legal Proceedings and Community Impact
The allegations against Burgess stem from a recent report made to Spartanburg County authorities, bringing decades-old accusations to light. The arrest warrants detail that Burgess was a legal adult at the time of the alleged assaults.
Community members and education officials expressed shock and concern about the allegations. Advocacy groups for child abuse prevention have underscored the importance of protecting children and ensuring that institutions address allegations swiftly and transparently.
Burgess’ first court appearance is expected in the coming weeks, where he will have the opportunity to respond to the charges in detail. For now, his case has reignited discussions about accountability and ethics for those in positions of power, particularly within educational and religious institutions.
