Court: Black man with disabilities made to work at South Carolina restaurant without pay entitled to $546K Photo: J. Reuben Long Detention Center via AP. This undated photo provided by the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Conway, S.C shows Bobby Paul Edwards, a South Carolina restaurant manager who has been ordered held without bond on charges of abusing and enslaving a mentally challenged employee, according to information released by federal authorities. Associated Press Created: May 04, 2021 01:49 PM
After a Black man with intellectual disabilities was enslaved, beaten and forced to work more than 100 hours a week without pay in a South Carolina restaurant, his manager was sentenced to prison and ordered to pay $273,000 in restitution. But a federal appeals court recently ruled the man is entitled to double that amount under federal labor laws.
A South Carolina man who was forced to work over 100 hours every week for years without pay and subjected to verbal and physical abuse was supposed to receive close to US$273,000 in restitution after his former manager pleaded guilty. But that initial amount was too low, an appellate court ruled in April. The man should have received more than double that amount closer to $546,000 from the manager to account for federal labor laws, according to the ruling. John Christopher Smith was forced to work at a cafeteria in Conway without pay for years. His manager, Bobby Edwards, pleaded guilty to forced labor in 2018 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his abuse of Smith, a Black man who has intellectual disabilities.
SC brings back Senior Farmersâ Market Nutrition Program The South Carolina Department of Social Services is bringing back its Senior Farmersâ Market Nutrition Program. (Source: Southside Produce) By WTOC Staff | May 3, 2021 at 8:49 AM EDT - Updated May 3 at 8:49 AM
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WTOC) - South Carolinians 60 and older can begin applying to receive free fruits and vegetables from various vendors throughout the state starting on Monday, May 3.
The South Carolina Department of Social Services is bringing back its Senior Farmersâ Market Nutrition Program this summer. This seasonal USDA grant program allows qualifying individuals to purchase unprocessed fruits and vegetables from authorized farmersâ markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs.
A restaurant manager who forced a Black man to work without pay owes him more than $500,000 in restitution, court rules
A South Carolina man who was forced to work over 100 hours every week for years without pay and subjected to verbal and physical abuse was supposed to receive close to $273,000 in restitution after his former manager pleaded guilty.
But that initial amount was too low, an appellate court ruled in April. The man should have received more than double that amount closer to $546,000 from the manager to account for federal labor laws, according to the ruling.
John Christopher Smith was forced to work at a cafeteria in Conway without pay for years. His manager, Bobby Edwards, pleaded guilty to forced labor in 2018 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his abuse of Smith, a Black man who has intellectual disabilities.
Program helps low-income seniors get fresh produce while supporting SC farmers
Eligible seniors receive five $5 checks to spend at authorized farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs.
Credit: New Day NW Author: WLTX Updated: 8:18 PM EDT April 30, 2021
COLUMBIA, S.C. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is returning this year in an effort to make fresh produce available to low-income seniors while also supporting South Carolina farmers.
Here s how the program works.
Eligible seniors receive five $5 checks to spend at authorized farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs.
Checks are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Benefits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.