Loris Police updates their fleet of vehicles

By Ruben Lowman

The Loris Police Department is navigating a complex investigation of a former political candidate for alleged election crimes while making upgrades on the long-awaited modernization of its patrol fleet.

At the end of last month, Lester Lamar Jordan was officially booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center following a month long investigation into claims of vote-buying during the 2025 city council election. Jordan, 40, who was a candidate at the time, faces charges of procuring or offering to procure votes by bribery as well as multiple counts of check fraud exceeding $500.

The investigation into Jordan was heavily informed by his own social media presence, specifically several Facebook Live broadcasts.

LPD reports detail an incident on Sept. 29, 2025, where Jordan allegedly filmed himself at Loris City Hall displaying his checkbook and inviting residents to have their water bills paid in exchange for supporting his campaign.

Witnesses and video evidence suggest he coached individuals to state “Lamar for Loris” on camera after he settled their accounts. Further incidents documented by authorities include Jordan offering to buy ice cream for voters at a local eatery and promising Cash App payments to those who sang his campaign chant during a live stream at a restaurant.

Jordan and his legal counsel have denied any criminal wrongdoing, asserting that his actions were rooted in a lifelong commitment to community service and were not intended to solicit votes.

During interviews with investigators, Jordan maintained that he had paid for residents’ utilities and food in the past without seeking publicity and simply wanted to help with his own funds.

Despite these claims of generosity, a judge found sufficient probable cause to issue arrest warrants in January of this year. This case has drawn significant local attention to the legal boundaries of campaign conduct and the role of social media in modern local elections.

As the department handles this case, it is also preparing for a significant logistical upgrade.

Loris Police Chief Gary Buley recently informed the Loris City Council that three brand-new 2026 Ford Explorers are scheduled to join the department’s aging fleet by the end of this month. These pursuit-ready vehicles have been customized in Columbia and will come equipped with mobile data computers, radar systems and full emergency lighting.

In addition to the equipment upgrades, the department is celebrating internal achievements, as Officer Kary Showers was recently named the Officer of the Month for the 15th Judicial Circuit, marking the third time a Loris officer has received the distinction from the Community Law Enforcement Appreciation Committee.