Midlands Attorney Oswald's License has Been Suspended
Midlands Attorney and Former Republican Candidate Accused of Sexual Misconduct in Federal Lawsuit is Now Disbarred
COLUMBIA, S.C., — A prominent Midlands lawyer and frequent Republican political candidate is facing allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct, according to a federal lawsuit filed by a former employee.
The lawsuit had been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, the lawsuit detailed accusations against 74-year-old personal injury attorney Billy Oswald, a longtime figure in Lexington County politics. Oswald, who has served as a Lexington County councilman and was previously a member of the Lexington Medical Center board, is alleged to have engaged in years of inappropriate behavior toward female employees.
According to the complaint filed by Sharon Ross, who worked as a secretary at Oswald’s law firm for over a decade, Oswald regularly exposed himself to employees, pressured them into sexual acts, and verbally abused those who resisted his advances or requested raises. Ross claims that Oswald’s misconduct created a hostile work environment and led to emotional distress for her and other employees.
In addition to the sexual harassment claims, the lawsuit alleges that Oswald frequently brought prostitutes into the office for sexual encounters during business hours. Ross asserts that Oswald’s actions were well-known among staff but went unreported due to fear of retaliation.
Ross’s lawsuit seeks damages for emotional distress, lost wages, and punitive damages for the alleged misconduct. The case has drawn significant attention in Lexington County, where Oswald has maintained a high-profile presence through his legal practice and political involvement.
On March 7, 2024 U.S. District Court Judge Mary Geiger signed an order dismissing the case against the West Columbia attorney Billy Oswald, who had ran for state Senate, as the court had been “advised by counsel for the parties that the above action has been settled.”
Today the South Carolina Supreme Court took further action against Oswald. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel had asked the Court to place Oswald on interim suspension pursuant to Rule 17(b) of the Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement (RLDE) contained in Rule 413 of the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules (SCACR). The Supreme Court ordered today that Oswald’s license to practice law in the state is suspended until further order the Court.
As of now, no criminal charges have been filed against Oswald, but the ongoing investigation may lead to further legal action. Meanwhile, community leaders and legal professionals continue to monitor the case closely, given Oswald’s extensive involvement in Lexington County politics and public service.
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