If the allegations in a lawsuit filed today are true, Attorney Johnny McCoy told the press that the actions of former Horry County Assistant Administrator Randy Webster has made it difficult (if not impossible) for Horry County Government to continue to police the county.
Recent arrests and any upcoming arrests will surely fall under legal scrutiny due to Randy Webster’s behavior and his handling of the Horry County Police Department, coupled with a government-wide cover up as the news began to surface.
After issues began to surface, former Public Information Officer Mikayla Moskov told local news today, (during our live-stream), that Horry County Administrator Barry Spivey asked her to inform news outlets that Randy Webster retired due to “health issues.”
The legal documents submitted today thoroughly debunk that claim and show that Horry County Assistant Administrator Randy Webster was involved in harassment, inappropriate sexual misconduct, and a cover-up, assuming the accuracy of these court filings.
This following remarks by Horry County Councilman Dennis DiSabato this past Summer, who informed Carolina Forest residents that Horry County boasts the most accountable police department in South Carolina. DiSabato emphasized that the Horry County Council has the authority to terminate both the Administrator and Police Chief if necessary.
Things certainly got out of hand. The Assistant Horry County Administrator over Public Safety, Randy Webster was never fired. In fact, he was allowed to falsely claim he was quitting for health reasons, if this lawsuit proves to be true.
Doubts persist about whether Dennis DiSabato will fulfill his promise to terminate Horry County Administrator Barry Spivey and Horry County Police Chief Kris Leonhardt.
Compounding this alleged cover up, Horry County replaced Randy Webster with Attorney David Jordan.
When news organizations inquire about updates from the new Assistant Administrator, they will be informed that the information is protected by attorney-client privilege or that the county cannot provide comments due to an ongoing legal issue.
The press conference held today suggests that Webster’s actions demonstrate that the Horry County Council is neither capable nor suitable to oversee a police department. MyrtleBeachSC News has reported on the county’s persistent criminal activities and unethical management of the HCPD for decades.
Among the 46 counties in South Carolina, Horry County uniquely permits the County Government to oversee county police operations. In contrast, the remaining 45 counties assign this responsibility to the County Sheriff, ensuring that residents can hold the sheriff accountable through their votes.
McCoy, representing Kelsey Manemeit and Mikayla Moskov said today that there are several causes of action listed in the lawsuit, including:
- Assault and Battery
- Defamation
- Sexual Harassment
- Invasion of Privacy
- Wrongful Termination
- Hostile Work Environment
This civil action arises from the unlawful retaliation, forced resignations, sexual
harassment, assault, defamation, violations of privacy, and gross negligence committed by
HORRY COUNTY,
THE HORRY COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT,
HORRY COUNTY POLICE CHIEF KRIS LEONHARDT
Allegations Against Randy Webster
and FORMER HORRY COUNTY ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR OVER PUBLIC SAFETY RANDY WEBSTER, against Plaintiffs Mikayla Moskov and Kelsey Manemeit, both former Horry County employees.
Mikayla Moskov worked as the Public Information Officer for Horry County. She claims she was defamed and forced to resign after witnessing and reporting the behavior of former Horry County Assistant Administrator Randy Webster’s harassments, unwarranted attention, and unprofessional pursuit of Horry County Police Officer Kelsey Manemeit.
Former Public Information Director, Mikayla Moskov, made multiple statements to
superiors at Horry County concerning Webster’s behavior toward Manemeit and another female employee.
Prior to working with HCPD, Manemeit, a 30 year old female, worked as a police officer for the City of Conway.
In March of 2025, Manemeit separated from her husband, a Horry County Police Officer. Manemeit filed for divorce alleging that her husband cheated on her.
Manemeit was a neighbor of Randy Webster who is a 61 year-old male.
According to the lawsuit: Upon information and belief, Webster decided that the ladies of the Behavioral Services Department should be housed in the Randall S. Webster Communications Center rather than in the HCPD offices.
Manemeit was given a substantial raise by Webster which one County Councilman told MyrtleBeachSC News raised eyebrows on council, as well as, the Chief Horry County Administrator Barry Spivey.
The lawsuit states: Upon information and belief, the decision to house the Behavioral Services Department in the Randall S. Webster Communications Center was an attempt to gain additional access to Manemeit.
Over the next several months, Webster began a pattern of unwelcomed and inappropriate
conduct toward Manemeit. This includes a battery of texts which Manemeit’s lawyer documented at a press conference today.
Webster would make inappropriate statements related to Manemeit’s appearance. Webster engaged in a pattern of texting Manemeit both during and after work hours.
On multiple occasions, Randy Webster told her about a dreams he had concerning Manemeit. In one of these dreams he implied that Manemeit was not fully clothed. Webster indicated that the dream was causing him to lose focus at work.
On at least one occasion, Webster asked Manemeit if she had heard rumors that the two
were engaged in a sexual relationship. Manemeit responded that she had not and then indicated that she did not want to blur any lines or jeopardize their professional relationship. Webster continued by saying “Can you give me some sort of a response because I was up all night tossing and turning.”
On multiple occasions, Webster would make unwanted physical contact with Manemeit.
Webster would give Manemeit unwelcome kisses on the cheek.
Ex-Horry County deputy administrator retired after sexual harassment allegations, attorney says by dylan.leatherwood
If rumors are true about Webster’s behavior, other lawsuits are likely to be filed.
