Erik Kenneth Sickinger, 42, was arrested on Tuesday, March 4, on three counts of second-degree sexual misconduct with a minor, three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and one count of luring/enticing or attempting to lure/entice a minor.

Sickinger was arrested by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

According to the arrest warrants, Sickinger committed sexual battery on a 15-year-old male at his residence and provided marijuana to the minor.  The arrest warrants also stated Sickinger was identified through communication within the minors SnapChat account. The total bond amount is set at $200,000.

Sickinger was elected as a member of the Irmo town council in 2020. He then was named mayor pro-tem in 2023. He attended Messiah College in Harrisburg, Pa., where he studied politics. 

Outside of town council, he works as a sales director for a government-focused CRM software. 

The Town of Irmo provided this statement regarding his arrest: “The Town has been informed that he was taken to the Lexington County Detention Center and that the charges against him are unrelated to his role as a council member.”

Mayor Bill Danielson released a statement shortly after on Wednesday, March 5. 

"The charges, as they read, are very serious and disturbing to all of us. This is a very fluid situation which we are monitoring the best we can. I, as well as the entire Town Council are shocked and extremely disappointed," he said. "I want to let everyone know we are working the problems and focusing on managing the Town of Irmo professionally and timely. This will not cause any delays for the Council’s business nor the day-to-day operations of the town."

On Thursday, March 6, the town of Irmo announced Sickinger resigned from his position following the arrest and charges, effective immediately. They released this statement: 

"In accordance with state election laws, the Town of Irmo will officially notify the Election Commission and schedule a special election to fill the vacant council seat. Sickinger's unexpired term extends until 2027, and a successor will be determined through the electoral process."

The role of mayor pro-tem will be filled at the next council meeting.

Courtney Dennis, town administrator said, "While this is a difficult time, Irmo stands strong. We are a resilient community, and we will move foward with integrity, purpose, and a continued focus on the future of our town."

This remains an active law enforcement matter and all inquries regarding Sickinger's arrest should go to SLED.