Ex-police chief sent to prison

A former Westminster chief of police has been sent for prison to two years and ordered to pay his ex-employer money that he embezzled.  Scott Bannister this afternoon pleaded guilty in the Oconee General Sessions Court to misconduct in office and embezzlement.  As part of a suspended sentence that could have sent him to prison for 11 years, the 46-year old Bannister will be required to repay Westminster $113,557.45.  According to what Deputy Solicitor David Wagner told Judge Alex Macaulay, investigation showed $200 thousand was embezzled, though his office was confident that it could only establish at trial the $113.5 figure.  Bannister apologized but, as explained by his attorney Druanne White, her client doesn’t why he embezzled the money.  Representing her city, Clerk-Treasurer Jennifer Adams asked Macaulay to hold Bannister accountable, saying the money embezzled was supposed to have bought body armor and other protection equipment that his officers needed for their safety as they investigate domestic violence crimes.   Adams said she didn’t understand how Bannister could sleep at night.