May 20, 2025

Local Attorney Arrested for Disorderly Conduct in Charleston

News Summary

William Mullins McLeod Jr., a 53-year-old personal injury attorney, was arrested for disorderly conduct after reportedly wandering the streets in his underwear and displaying erratic behavior. Officers intervened when they noticed his incoherence and refusal to identify himself. Following a night in custody, he was released on a personal recognizance bond. The incident raises concerns about mental health and substance use in high-profile professionals like McLeod, who has a notable political and legal background in Charleston.

Charleston, SC – William Mullins McLeod Jr., a 53-year-old personal injury attorney, was arrested for public disorderly conduct on Wednesday evening. The incident, which took place near the intersection of King Street and Murray Boulevard, involved McLeod allegedly screaming and wandering the streets without clothing.

Witnesses reported that McLeod was only wearing his underwear and shoes at the time of the incident. An officer on patrol observed his erratic behavior while walking along the historic Battery area of downtown Charleston. Recognizing the need for assistance, the officer called for backup to help address the situation.

When confronted by the responding officers, McLeod displayed signs of incoherence, making it difficult for law enforcement to ascertain his identity. According to their accounts, he claimed to be “Superman” and “God” during the interactions. Officers attempted to identify him, but McLeod refused to provide any form of identification or disclose his real name, which ultimately led to his detention.

While being transported to the jail, McLeod continued to exhibit unusual behavior, yelling about “vague historic events” and mentioning notable individuals from his life. Upon arrival at the detention center, he resisted exiting the police vehicle, insisting he preferred to sleep inside. Officers noted that McLeod’s eyes were “extremely bloodshot and highly dilated,” accompanied by excessive sweating, suggesting a possible influence from drugs or alcohol.

Following his arrest, McLeod was held overnight and subsequently released the following day, Friday, on a personal recognizance bond. This arrangement allowed him to return home without financial posting, while still facing the legal consequences of his actions.

William Mullins McLeod Jr. has a notable professional background as a third-generation attorney in the Charleston area. He serves as a trial lawyer and a victims’ rights advocate. Originally from Walterboro, SC, McLeod earned his undergraduate degree from Wofford College in 1994 and later received his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1997.

In addition to his legal career, McLeod is recognized for his political involvement, having served two terms as the Chairman of the Charleston County Democratic Party. His political aspirations included a run for governor of South Carolina in 2010, which adds another layer to his public profile.

Despite his previous accolades and community contributions, the recent incident has raised concerns about McLeod’s well-being and stability. This arrest serves as a stark reminder that individuals in high-profile positions can face significant personal struggles, underlining the importance of mental health and substance use awareness within professional communities.

The Charleston Police Department has not released further statements regarding the incident, and it is unclear if McLeod will face additional charges or if he will seek any sort of treatment following his arrest.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Federal Charges Dismissed for Newark’s Mayor Ras Baraka
Charleston City Paper Celebrates Best of Charleston Winners
California Lawyer Accused of Ethical Violations Amidst Fame
Tragic Police Pursuit Ends in Death and Injuries in Charleston
Carolina Forest Wildfire Leaves South Carolina on Edge
Seventeen Family Members of Sinaloa Cartel Leaders Cross into U.S.
North Charleston Welcomes New Officers to Its Police Force
Texas Lawyer Faces Scrutiny Over AI-Driven Filings
Newark’s Mayor Arrested Amid Immigration Facility Visit
Former Ohio Lawyer Charged in 2013 Murder of Client

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.