Charleston, South Carolina, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Walter Clayton Pate III faces serious charges, including attempted murder and kidnapping, stemming from alleged assaults against two women. Controversy surrounds his bond hearing, with allegations of prosecutorial misconduct. As the case progresses, questions arise about the integrity of the 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, leading to calls for the removal of the prosecuting body. With the case underway for nearly two years, the Charleston community is keenly observing the unfolding legal battle.
Charleston, South Carolina – Legal disputes intensify in the case of Walter Clayton Pate III, who faces serious charges stemming from alleged assaults against two women. Pate is currently charged with six offenses, including attempted murder, kidnapping, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, and voyeurism, related to incidents from July 2023. Additional charges of voyeurism were introduced in August 2024.
As the case unfolds, Pate has been free on bond since his arrest, a status that has remained unchanged for nearly a year while his legal issues are pending. Controversy surrounding his bond hearing, held in June 2024, has led to claims of prosecutorial misconduct from Pate’s defense attorney, Gil Gatch.
During the initial bond hearing, Gatch raised accusations against Assistant Solicitor Mallory Haliena, alleging she improperly pressured a doctor into revealing Pate’s psycho-sexual evaluation results. These claims have sparked an internal review questioning the integrity of the 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, which Gatch argued should be disqualified from the case due to perceived bias.
The situation escalated when former Circuit Judge Bentley Price ordered a medical evaluation in November 2023 to determine Pate’s potential threat to the community. Price filed an affidavit in August 2025 stating that the evaluation was intended solely for his review, not for prosecution use. His affidavit expressed concern over Haliena’s actions concerning the report and suggested significant ethical implications.
Haliena is implicated in an email exchange with the forensic examiner that excluded Judge Price from the conversation, raising questions about the propriety of her conduct. The Medical University of South Carolina’s legal team has pointed out that standard procedure was followed, as the forensic examiner communicated results to both parties. However, Haliena provided a letter from the South Carolina Supreme Court’s Office of Disciplinary Counsel, which stated there was no evidence of misconduct against her, although Judge Price claimed he was unaware of this letter.
In response to Price’s affidavit, Haliena contended that it misrepresented her actions and implied that the judge favored the defense, which could breach legal norms by providing testimony in cases he previously presided over. Furthermore, Judge Price was declared unqualified for reelection the previous summer amid allegations of unprofessional conduct, which may complicate his authority in this ongoing matter.
Central to the conflict is the question of whether the 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office can continue its prosecution of Pate or if the case should be transferred to another prosecutorial body. As of now, no resolution has been reached regarding this critical issue.
Background Context
This case has developed over the course of nearly two years, with several pivotal moments shaping the current legal landscape. The initial allegations against Pate prompted immediate public interest, leading to his swift arrest and subsequent bond posting. However, the evolving details surrounding prosecutorial practices have shifted focus away from Pate’s alleged actions, highlighting systemic issues within the prosecutorial framework.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Charleston legal community and the public will be watching closely for updates regarding the prosecution’s future and Pate’s legal battle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are Walter Clayton Pate III’s charges?
Pate faces six charges including attempted murder, kidnapping, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, and voyeurism in relation to incidents from July 2023, as well as two additional voyeurism charges added in August 2024.
Is Walter Clayton Pate III currently in custody?
No, Pate was released on bond after his arrest and has remained free for almost a year as his case is pending.
What misconduct is being alleged against Assistant Solicitor Mallory Haliena?
Defense attorney Gil Gatch has accused Haliena of pressuring a doctor for the results of a psycho-sexual evaluation, which has raised ethical concerns regarding her conduct in handling evidence.
What are the implications of Judge Bentley Price’s affidavit?
Judge Price’s affidavit raises serious questions about Haliena’s actions concerning the medical evaluation report and suggests potential bias within the prosecutorial team.
Could the prosecuting office be removed from the case?
The defense has requested the removal of the 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office due to allegations of bias, but a final decision on this matter has not yet been made.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Charges Against Pate | Attempted murder, kidnapping, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, voyeurism, with additional counts. |
| Release Status | Pate has posted bond and is free pending trial. |
| Prosecutor Allegations | Claims of misconduct against Assistant Solicitor, involving ethical concerns. |
| Judge’s Affidavit | Affidavit raises questions regarding prosecutor conduct and potential bias. |
| Future of Prosecution | Determination on the continuation of the 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office is pending. |
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- WOWK TV: Charleston double murder suspect’s trial set for November
- Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina
- Google Search: Charleston South Carolina law
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston
- Google News: Charleston news
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