Pre-trial proceeding in bank case

A former Oconee banker has received legal advice against responding to interrogatories in a civil lawsuit awaiting trial.  But this afternoon the attorney who represents Ben Hiott told a judge that he believes there are some questions his client will respond to in the pre-trial stage, and Judge Lawton McIntosh said defense lawyer Daryl Hawkins should be given time to  determine that—before the court issues a further order.  This afternoon’s civil court hearing, at which Hiott was not present, began when Hawkins referred to an email from his client’s criminal court attorney, Johnny Gasser, in which the criminal court attorney advised Hiott not to answer questions because of the possibility that Hiott eventually could face charges in state court.  Last month in federal court, Hiott received a prison sentence of a year and a day for bank fraud.  According to Hawkins, Hiott is to begin serving the sentence in January.  This afternoon’s hearing dealt with the case of Brookshire versus Community First Bank, Hiott’s former employer.    A Hilton Head resident, Debi Baker Brookshire is suing the bank, blaming Hiott for the loss of $1.1 million dollars, which she had entrusted to him.