AIKEN COUNTY SHERIFF ARRESTS 18 YR OLD FOR 'SAGGY PANTS.'

Williams was standing at the hood of the patrol car during the interview on the side of the road when the deputy struck Williams in the throat, Frank said.

It was unprovoked, he added.

Nation then arrested Williams and charged him with assault and disorderly conduct on the trumped-up allegations that the teenager had attempted to attack him. He took the New Ellenton man to the Aiken County detention center where he was detained.

"When I learned of the deputy's behavior, I immediately realized the seriousness of the situation and requested SLED conduct a criminal investigation and take appropriate action," said Sheriff Michael Hunt. "I apologize to the young man, his family and our community because this kind of behavior is unacceptable by any law enforcement officer."

Nation apparently brought a copy of the patrol car video to his supervisors for their review, who then handed the tape up the chain of command.

"They recognized there was a problem and they contacted the uniform patrol captain who agreed and brought it to the chief deputy and the sheriff," Frank said.

The charges against the teen have been dropped.

Nation was fired Tuesday morning.

In 2004, Nation was suspended from the sheriff's office for a use-of-force incident, but at press time the particulars of that incident were not available.