South Carolina College Failed to Keep Fire Alarm Records

The president of a South Carolina college has pleaded no contest to charges he failed to maintain records of fire alarm and sprinkler systems in two dorms.

Multiple media outlets reported that Benedict College president David Swinton’s lawyer entered the plea in Columbia. Municipal Judge Dana Turner ordered Swinton to pay $432 in court costs.

The Columbia Fire Department issued citations earlier this year involving record keeping for two dorms on the Benedict campus.

Information from the school and the fire department indicate the fire alarm systems have been serviced and comply with current requirements.

Swinton said last month that students were never in danger because the school has security officers on duty around the clock.