13 Jun Press Release: Tristan Smith VS National Collegiate Athletic Association

June 13, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Charleston, SC — A Pickens County Circuit Court Judge has granted a Temporary Injunction preventing the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) from enforcing its decision declaring Tristan Smith ineligible for the 2026–2027 football season at Clemson University.

In the Order, the Court found that Mr. Smith demonstrated immediate and irreparable harm, presented a fair question regarding his legal claims, and that no adequate remedy at law exists. The Court further concluded that the requested injunction should be granted under the specific facts and circumstances presented.

The Order restrains the NCAA from enforcing its November 14, 2025, denial of Mr. Smith’s waiver, prohibits the NCAA from imposing penalties against Mr. Smith or Clemson University for allowing him to compete, and declares Mr. Smith immediately eligible for competition during the 2026–2027 season.

Read The Clemson Insider coverage

Download Court Order

20 May Press Release: Family of Mary Brucato Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and Jail Medical Provider

May 20, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Charleston, SC — The Peper Law Firm, P.A., together with McLeod Law Group, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of Brandon Sturgill, individually and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Mary Emma Brucato, against the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, VitalCore Health Strategies, LLC, Harbans Deol, M.D., John Doe, and John Doe Corporation.

The Complaint alleges that Mary Emma Brucato was arrested on August 8, 2025, and detained at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center. The lawsuit alleges that Ms. Brucato was placed on detox and withdrawal monitoring; however, VitalCore failed to properly provide detox and withdrawal monitoring or administer detox and withdrawal prescriptions.

The Complaint further alleges that despite visible signs of medical distress and repeated opportunities to provide medical care, Ms. Brucato was never properly assessed, monitored, or treated while in custody.

The Complaint asserts claims for Negligence and Gross Negligence and Wrongful Death against the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, as well as Medical Negligence and Wrongful Death against VitalCore Health Strategies, LLC, Harbans Deol, M.D., and additional defendants.

Read the Live 5 News coverage

Download Court Filing

13 May Press Release: The Peper Law Firm Honored in Charleston City Paper’s Best of Charleston 2026

May 13, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Charleston, SC — Founding Attorney, Mark A. Peper, has been recognized by the Charleston City Paper as the winner of the following categories for 2026: Best Attorney, Best Criminal Defense Attorney, and Best DUI Attorney.

Long-time Associate Attorney, Brenna D. Wiles, has been named the Best Estate Planning Attorney for 2026.

Established in 1997, the Charleston City Paper is an independent local newspaper that offers award-winning news coverage that helps readers to better understand the communities in which they live. The newspaper offers dynamic coverage of the Lowcountry’s food, arts and music offerings as well as diverse reporting, editorials and cartoons that give insights into local controversies in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties. For 30 consecutive years, the Charleston City Paper readers have celebrated local favorites across various categories, reflecting the community’s support for the paper’s journalism and community engagement.

Mark A. Peper of the Peper Law Firm in Charleston, South Carolina issued the following statement:

“The Charleston City Paper is one of the most informative news publications in our state, and their ability to do so independently with a focus on the local community is a testament to their leadership. We are honored to once again be recognized by their loyal readers, each of whom deserve the best representation possible.”

25 Mar Press Release: Jane Doe Files Lawsuit Against Planet Fitness Following Alleged Sexual Assault

March 25, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Charleston, SC — The Peper Law Firm, P.A. has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Jane Doe against Planet Fitness Assetco, LLC, arising from an alleged sexual assault at the Planet Fitness located at 2070 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard in Charleston, South Carolina.

The Complaint alleges that on July 24, 2024, the Plaintiff was a member of the Planet Fitness facility when she was approached by another gym member. The lawsuit alleges that after attempting to avoid the individual by moving into the Black Card area, the Plaintiff was followed and sexually assaulted.

The Complaint further alleges that, after the incident was reported, Planet Fitness informed the Plaintiff that another female member had reported being sexually assaulted and harassed by the same individual the previous night and that he was “a known problem.”

The Complaint asserts claims for Premises Liability/Negligence and Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress/Outrage against Planet Fitness Assetco, LLC.

Read the Live 5 News coverage

Download Court Filing

20 Feb Press Release: Connor Hickman VS National Collegiate Athletic Association

February 19, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COURT GRANTS MOTION – HICKMAN REINSTATED

Charleston, SC — A Motion to Stay last week’s Order dissolving the TRO issued on November 17, 2025 has been granted by a Charleston County Circuit Court Judge. Hickman will return to action tonight against North Carolina A&T at 7pm in Greensboro, NC.

Today’s ruling, issued at 3:38pm on February 19, 2026, allows Hickman to re-join the team until further Order of the Court. No further hearing dates in the matter have been scheduled.

Following tonight’s game at North Carolina A&T, the Cougars host Monmouth for Senior Day on Saturday, February 21, at TD Arena. Action is set for 4:00 p.m.

Lead attorney Mark A. Peper of the Peper Law Firm in Charleston, South Carolina issued the following statement:

“Connor’s a winner, and he’s thrilled that today’s Order allows him to continue competing with his teammates as they compete for the regular season and CAA tournament championship. Connor and his fiancé love Cougar Nation, and he’s extremely grateful for all the support shown by the best basketball fans in America.”

The filed Order Granting Plaintiff’s Motion to Stay issued February 19, 2025

24 Nov Press Release: Connor Hickman v. National Collegiate Athletic Association

November 21, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JUDGE GRANTS EMERGENCY ORDER AGAINST NCAA

CONNOR HICKMAN ELIGIBLE TO PLAY IMMEDIATELY 

FOR THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON

Charleston, SC – Connor Hickman, a 23-year-old grad student at the College of Charleston, is finally able to play for the Cougars men’s basketball team. He will make his first appearance this afternoon at 3pm against the University of Massachusetts at the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam and shall remain eligible until a formal court hearing is held the week of December 8, 2025. Hickman is represented by The Peper Law Firm, PA of Charleston, SC and Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick of Toledo, Ohio.

The order granted Tuesday in Charleston County allows Hickman to compete immediately as the court reviews his ongoing petition for an additional year of eligibility.

After starting 7 of Cincinnati’s first 8 games of the 2024 – 25 season, Hickman suffered a significant injury prior to his 9th game, which was diagnosed as a broken foot on December 18, 2025. However, at the directive of Cincinnati’s medical staff, he attempted to participate in 4 additional games, thereby exceeding the 10-game limit to qualify for a medical hardship, per the NCAA. Contrary to the best practices of sports medicine, however, Hickman was never informed by UC medical staff that surgery was an option until almost 2 months after the injury, which was performed. Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, NC on February 18, 2025. Given the certainty that he’d receive a medical hardship waiver from the NCAA this summer, Hickman transferred to the College of Charleston to play his final season for Coach Chris Mack.

On November 6, 2025, however, the NCAA denied his medical hardship waiver, and on November 17, 2025, Hickman moved for an emergency temporary restraining order allowing him to play immediately. As reflected in the order, the Court found Hickman likely to succeed on the merits of his claims against the NCAA and if not allowed to play immediately, will continue to suffer irreparable harm. Hickman has already missed the College of Charleston’s first five games of the 2025-26 season, and the Cougars are scheduled to play 3 additional games in St. Thomas, USVI this weekend before returning home to play Belmont on November 30, 2025.

Lead attorney Mark A. Peper of the Peper Law Firm in Charleston, South Carolina issued the following statement:

“Connor deserves this victory and is ecstatic to finally join his teammates on the court. The adults in the room at UC failed him, as did the NCAA when given the chance to make it right. With the objective medical documentation presented to the Judge this week, coupled with the ongoing support of both athletic departments at Cincinnati and Charleston, we hope the NCAA will finally allow Connor to play this season without the need for additional litigation. Connor’s senior year was cut short through no fault of his own, and just as the NCAA bylaws allow, he deserves the opportunity to complete his college career both on and off the court. Connor and his fiancé look forward to finally enjoying everything Charleston has to offer, to include the best basketball fans in America.”

For media inquiries, please contact:

The Peper Law Firm, PA (843-225-2520 / mark@peperlawfirm.com)

ORDER Granting TRO

18 May Newington Press Release

May 18, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TWO TEACHER ASSISTANTS ARRESTED FOR ASSAULTING SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENT

Summerville, SC – Two former teacher assistants at Newington Elementary School have been arrested for violently assaulting an 11-year-old special needs student. The minor child, who is non-verbal and deaf, was assaulted in the autism room the morning of May 8 and May 10, 2023. Both incidents were captured on video surveillance and provided to the Summerville Police Department.

On May 10, 2023, Emily Westermann is seen grabbing the special needs student from behind and shoving the child while lifting her fist, causing him to lose his balance. She then shoves the student to the ground before exiting the classroom. A short time later, Westermann was escorted off the premises. She was arrested on May 16, 2023 and charged with Assault & Battery 3rd Degree.

Further investigations revealed a separate assault on May 8, 2023. Patricia Fuller, a teacher’s aide, is seen pinching and pushing the special needs student before forcefully grabbing him by the neck and shoving him into his chair. While seated, Fuller continued to violently grab the student by the neck and jaw. As the assault progresses, the student continues to flinch and scream in fear while raising his arms into a defensive posture. Fuller continues to scream in the student’s face while rolling up her sleeves before being removed from the classroom. Fuller was arrested on May 18, 2023 and charged with Unlawful Conduct Towards a Child, a felony carrying up to 10 years in prison.

On behalf of the family of the special needs child, The Peper Law Firm, PA of Charleston, SC, issued the following statement:

“As parents, we expect our children to be safe from harm when we walk them into school each morning. To violently attack any student for any reason is intolerable; to attack a non-verbal, deaf, special needs student out of pure frustration is unforgivable. We intend to hold these individuals and those responsible for their employ accountable with the same wrath of fury directed upon them.”

03 Mar Seacoast Press Release

March 3, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VICTIMS RESPOND TO ARREST OF FORMER SEACOAST YOUTH PASTOR

Charleston, SC – A former youth pastor at Seacoast Church has been arrested on 13 counts of Assault & Battery 2nd degree. He is currently detained at the Al Cannon Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing scheduled for Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 10am.

In December 2022, Seacoast Church placed its Youth Pastor, Vernon Willis, on administrative leave after multiple minors reported being touched inappropriately by Willis while attending youth group at Seacoast Church in North Charleston, SC. Following an internal investigation, Seacoast families were informed in a letter dated December 14, 2022 of his ultimate termination and encouraged to report any concerns to Seacoast Executive Team members.

With the assistance of the North Charleston Police Department, forensic evaluations were conducted on multiple minor children, culminating in arrest warrants being issued and served on Mr. Willis.

“Immediately upon being retained by these families, The Peper Law Firm initiated an investigation into the acts of Mr. Willis and Seacoast Church. Our investigation confirmed that Seacoast Church allowed Mr. Willis unfettered access to one-on-one contact with multiple female minors without any supervision, all while acting within the course and scope of his employment. Further, Seacoast had direct knowledge of his proclivity to use his role as youth pastor to unlawfully touch and seclude minor females on the church campus as far back as 2020, yet continued his employ without providing any training or supervision. Seacoast Church had the ability to protect these innocent children and purposely failed to do so. This is intolerable, and the families intend to hold Mr. Willis and Seacoast responsible for their actions and inactions.”

For media inquiries, please contact:
The Peper Law Firm, PA – 843-225-2520 / mark@peperlawfirm.com

15 Aug Evans Press Release

August 15, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EVANS FAMILY ANNOUNCES FILING OF LAWSUIT AGAINST LAURENS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Laurens, SC – In response to the agreement reached between the Estate of Jamal Sutherland and the government entities announced at last evening’s Charleston County Council meeting, the family of Jamal Sutherland offers the following:

Justice for Jamal will come in many forms. We are pleased to have negotiated a settlement with the government entities that provides the type of civil justice he deserves, but our work is not yet done. With God’s help, we will continue the necessary conversations with local, state, and federal leaders to ensure that everyone affected by mental illness is treated with the same dignity and respect we all deserve and demand. As we move forward, please continue to pray for our family, our community, each other, and justice for Jamal.

While the agreement announced last evening resolves the claims against the government entities and their individual employees, to include the City of North Charleston, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, and Charleston County, Attorney Mark A. Peper and Attorney Gary Christmas intend to aggressively pursue litigation against all others responsible for Jamal’s tragic death, to include Palmetto Behavioral Health and the third-party medical provider at the Charleston County jail, Wellpath.

For media inquiries, please contact the Evans family via their counsel:
The Peper Law Firm, PA – 843-225-2520 – mark@peperlawfirm.com
Henderson Law Group – 843-884-6855 – rhmyers@hendersonlawgroupsc.com

07 Aug Damon Doyle Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 7, 2019

Media Contact: Tyler Jones – 252-675-7606
tyler@speakstrategic.com

Family of Slain SCDC Inmate Hires Attorney

Charleston, SC – The family of Damon Latroy Doyle, 43, has retained The Peper Law Firm, PA to investigate the circumstances of his death Monday at Broad River Correctional Facility in Columbia, SC.

As evidenced by the video taken by a fellow inmate, which can be viewed here, Mr. Doyle was beaten with a broom stick and stabbed numerous times by upwards of six inmates at the high-security prison. Three correctional officers stationed nearby failed to intervene; one of whom turned his back and walked away. Mr. Doyle was pronounced dead at Richland Memorial Hospital hours later.

“The video speaks for itself; this was a planned attack by violent, unsupervised inmates. Not a single correctional officer at the high-security prison made the slightest attempt to prevent the attack, intervene, or render aid. They simply walked away with no concern for his well being or the safety of the other inmates,” said Attorney Mark Peper.

Peper plans to fully investigate the incident and share his findings with the family, public, and state lawmakers.

“My brother deserves better. Just because someone commits a crime and goes to prison doesn’t mean they deserve to die and it seems like that’s what every prison inmate is faced with recently, a death sentence,” said Doyle’s brother, Gerard Doyle.

The Peper Law Firm is a criminal defense and personal injury law firm in Charleston, South Carolina.

www.PeperLawFirm.com