GARMON’S LATE ARRIVAL, DARK MONEY, MEDICAID FRAUD QUESTIONS,& paid smears!
WHO IS CONNECTED TO THE COORDINATED FALSE ATTACKS AGAINST Carlton Walker? Johnnie Garmon w/ his campaign money.
"I wanted to keep this a clean campaign, but I had no choice after being attacked by Johnnie Garmon's people," -Carlton Walker. Senator Zell: Thank you for standing up to them. I question the integrity of anyone that still affiliates with them. Keep up the great work exposing these corrupt people
🚨 MEDICAID FRAUD QUESTIONS SURROUND JOHN GARMON 🚨
🚨 MEDICAID FRAUD QUESTIONS SURROUND JOHN "johnnie" GARMON 🚨
A South Carolina Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit document shows a case was opened involving “GARMON, JOHN (Providence Hospice)” while Johnnie Garmon reportedly made over $100 MILLION from Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance in the hospice and senior care industry.
The document lists allegations including:
▪️ “Un-qualified patients receiving Hospice / Respite Care”
▪️ “Back dating transports”
It also lists:
“John Garmon – Owner PH”
Now voters deserve clear answers:
❓How much money did Providence Hospice have to pay back to Medicaid and taxpayers?
❓What was the final outcome of this case?
❓Why has Johnnie Garmon never publicly explained this to voters?
A former Providence Hospice HR/Finance employee is listed as the complainant in the state document.
Johnnie says “Taking Care of Seniors and Caregivers” is one of his top issues. Yet Governor McMaster reportedly did NOT adopt Johnnie’s healthcare recommendations, while Johnnie still profits today consulting in the same industry.
District 115 deserves transparency, accountability, and leadership focused on PEOPLE — not profits.
🚨 EXPLAINING THE MEDICAID FRAUD DOCUMENTS CONNECTED TO JOHNNIE GARMON 🚨
This South Carolina Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit document appears to outline allegations involving Providence Hospice during the time Johnnie Garmon was an owner.
According to the document:
▪️ Providence Hospice became a provider in April 2011 with approximately 70 patients
▪️ A complainant stated patients were being qualified for hospice under “strict orders”
▪️ The complainant was allegedly terminated after refusing “to bill for patients that did not qualify for hospice”
▪️ The document states billings were “primarily Medicare”
▪️ The records reference Medicaid recipients and over $127,000 in billings during part of the investigated period
At this time, it appears most patients involved were on Medicare, not Medicaid. Sources close to what happened say money had to be paid back related to overbilling concerns. However, the FOIA process is NOT complete, and additional records are still being requested.
These are serious questions involving millions made in the hospice and senior care industry while dealing with some of our most vulnerable citizens — seniors and the dying.
Voters deserve transparency and full answers:
❓How much money was paid back?
❓What was the final outcome of the investigation?
❓Why has Johnnie Garmon not publicly addressed these documents?
STILL NO ANSWERS FROM JOHNNIE GARMON
The FOIA is still pending, but voters continue asking the same question: how much had to be paid back after this Medicare and Medicaid investigation involving Providence Hospice?
When a candidate’s own healthcare consulting network funds his campaign, private industry interests aren’t just influencing politics — they’re buying a seat at the table.
This public filing shows The Perissos Group LLC contributing to Johnnie Garmon’s campaign. The Perissos Group is a business consulting firm, and Garmon is publicly associated with it through his consulting work, including in the healthcare and senior-care space. When a candidate’s own consulting network—tied to an industry he campaigns on—is funding his run for office, that’s not grassroots support. It’s private business interests being brought directly into public power, and voters have every reason to question whose interests will come first.
WHO’S REALLY FUNDING THIS CAMPAIGN? FOLLOW THE MONEY. FOLLOW THE CONNECTIONS.
Campaign finance records filed with the South Carolina Ethics Commission show contributions connected to individuals in the healthcare and hospice industry, including donors tied to Dr. Romin Bharat Shah. At the same time, this publicly circulated report references allegations involving hospice qualification practices, Medicare billing concerns, and claims from a complainant who stated he was terminated after refusing to bill for patients he believed did not qualify for hospice care.
These records raise serious questions voters deserve answers to. Why are healthcare and hospice industry figures connected to these allegations financially backing Johnnie Garmon’s campaign? District 115 voters should know exactly who is funding this race and what interests may expect influence in Columbia. Our community deserves transparent leadership accountable to local residents — not outside money and industry insiders.
Still Consulting the Industry Garmon Wants to “Fix”
This screenshot shows Johnnie Garmon listed as an employee of The Perissos Group, a business consulting firm headquartered in Charleston, according to its public LinkedIn profile. The company operates in business consulting and services, and Garmon’s name appears alongside other listed employees — evidence of ongoing professional involvement, not a past or inactive role. This matters because while Garmon campaigns on “Protecting Our Seniors and Caregivers,” he remains tied to consulting work connected to the broader healthcare and senior-care ecosystem. Voters deserve to know when a candidate is still professionally engaged in the same industry they claim they want to reform.
A Platform Built on Profit, Not Place
This is Garmon’s number one issue for District 115 — “Protecting Our Seniors and Caregivers.” But let’s be honest: this isn’t about our islands, it’s about his industry. Garmon made over $100 million in senior care, built his business in the Rock Hill area near the Charlotte market, and only moved here a YEAR AND A HALF AGO, as he said on WTMA 1250 AM.
Now he’s running on the same system that made him rich — still consulting for it — while claiming it’s his top priority for James, Johns, Folly, Kiawah, and Seabrook. That’s not public service. That’s self-promotion disguised as compassion.
JOHNNIE GARMON’S HEALTHCARE CONSULTING BUSINESS
While running for State House talking about “taking care of seniors,” Johnnie Garmon is still deeply connected to the healthcare and senior care industry through The Perissos Group consulting business.
The company website highlights connections to hospitals, assisted living groups, healthcare associations, DSS, medical providers, and senior care organizations across South Carolina.
At the same time, voters are still asking unanswered questions about the Providence Hospice Medicare and Medicaid investigation while Johnnie reportedly made over $100 million in the industry funded by taxpayer healthcare dollars.
JOHNNIE GARMON’S HEALTHCARE PROFIT NETWORK!!!
GO HERE AND SEE FOR YOURSELF: https://theperissosgroup.com/
Based on the screenshots from ThePerissosGroup.com, these are healthcare-related groups and organizations shown as clients, partners, or organizations served:
▪️ Providence Care
▪️ Transitional Care Physicians of America
▪️ South Carolina Health Care Association (SCHCA)
▪️ South Carolina Assisted Living Association (SCALA)
▪️ Gravity Center
▪️ Piedmont Medical Center
▪️ Laurens Estates Assisted Living
▪️ Ageless Remedies Med Spa & Laser Center
▪️ The Carolinas Center
▪️ South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS)
▪️ Charleston Southern University
▪️ WhoCan
▪️ C12 Group
▪️ Vistage
These screenshots appear to show the extensive healthcare and senior care consulting network connected to Johnnie Garmon’s business operations after reportedly making over $100 million in the hospice and senior care industry.
Garmon’s $100 Million Business: When “Caring for the Elderly” Becomes a Cash Cow
Public reporting and business records show Garmon built extraordinary wealth in the senior-care and healthcare consulting industry — commonly cited as exceeding $100 million. THAT IS FROM MEDICARE, MEDICAID AND OUR PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES!!!
While South Carolina families are drowning under the rising cost of healthcare, Johnnie Garmon has been cashing in. The District 115 candidate made his fortune — reportedly over $100 million — in the senior-care industry, building wealth from a system that extracts enormous profits while families struggle to care for aging parents and grandparents.
Now Garmon wants voters to believe his top priority is “Elderly Care” and “Taking Care of the Caregivers.” What he doesn’t mention is that he’s still a paid consultant in the same industry, advising the very companies that profit off the elderly and the dying.
If that sounds like a conflict of interest, it’s because it is. You can’t make millions off a broken healthcare system and then run for office claiming you’ll fix it — while you’re still on the payroll. That’s not compassion. That’s self-interest dressed up as public service.
Follow the Money
Garmon’s campaign message sounds noble — but look at who stands to benefit. Every new regulation, every “caregiver incentive,” and every “industry support measure” he promotes would directly enrich the same healthcare networks and assisted-living companies he’s tied to.
Meanwhile, ordinary families are forced to choose between paying for medicine or rent, and caregivers across the Lowcountry are scraping by on wages. That’s the real cost of Garmon’s “experience.”
District 115 doesn’t need another millionaire insider with ties to the healthcare lobby. It needs a representative who understands what it means to live paycheck to paycheck — someone who fights for working families, not the boardrooms that profit from them.
The Real Faces of Rising Costs
While families across the Lowcountry sit around kitchen tables wondering how to pay their next medical bill, Johnnie Garmon built a $100 million fortune in the very industry driving those costs higher. Now, he’s made that same industry his number one campaign issue for District 115 — calling it “Protecting Our Seniors and Caregivers.”
But for the families who feel crushed by premiums, prescription prices, and long-term care costs, that message rings hollow. How can we trust someone who profited from the system that’s breaking us to be the one to fix it?
FOLLOW THE $16,410: WHO FUNDED THE DEFAMATION CAMPAIGN? Johnnie Garmon
South Carolina Ethics Commission records show Johnnie Garmon’s campaign paid $16,410 to The Victory Network LLC for consulting, website, and social media services. South Carolina business filings identify Christopher “CJ” Westfall as the registered agent for The Victory Network LLC based in Summerville, South Carolina.
The Victory Network publicly markets itself as a political campaign and multimedia operation specializing in campaign management, messaging, and digital content. At the same time, records tied to the attack website and disclaimer connected the operation to political operatives and coordinated online attacks targeting Carlton Walker during this campaign.
After public scrutiny increased, the website tied to the attacks was reportedly taken down. Voters deserve transparency about who funded, managed, coordinated, and approved these smear tactics. District 115 deserves leadership focused on roads, flooding, and public service — not political hit operations and coordinated online defamation campaigns.
A Year & a Half in, Is That Enough to Represent Our Islands?
HOW JOHNNIE?
At the end of last year, Johnnie Garmon publicly stated on WTMA radio that he moved here “about a year and a half ago,” in the video below. Yet now his campaign ad says he and his wife “raised their three daughters on Seabrook.” Also, accessible leadership is not behind a locked private gate.
Voters have every right to ask: how could someone raise their children on Seabrook in roughly plus or minus 2 years?
This election is about honesty, transparency, and real local experience. CARLTON WALKER is a 4th-generation veteran, businessman, and lifelong local who grew up on these islands and has spent decades working, boating, fishing, renovating homes, fixing flooding and drainage problems, and fighting for the people of District 115.
District 115 deserves someone who truly knows James Island, Johns Island, Folly Beach, Kiawah, and Seabrook — not someone trying to rewrite their history during an election season.
🚨 Democrats already know how they would attack Johnnie Garmon in November, if he can defeat Carlton Walker.🚨
They would paint him as a recent arrival tied to political insiders and corporate healthcare money instead of deep local roots. They would argue he lacks real experience fixing flooding, roads, and drainage — and say he has not even been through a named storm on the islands yet. Meanwhile, Carlton Walker is a 4th generation veteran and multi-generation Charleston local with decades of real island experience. 💧🚧⚖️
🚨 WATCH: Johnnie Garmon Says Old Military Road Is On Johns Island, NOT JAMES ISLAND, ONLY 2 YEARS! 😳
MAY 28, 2026 at the Town of James Island forum, Johnnie Garmon, claimed Old Military Road was on Johns Island when it is actually on James Island. Watch the attached 30-second video. That moment showed exactly why local knowledge and real experience matter in this election.
Democrats can absolutely win this seat in November if Republicans nominate Johnnie Garmon, someone who does not truly know District 115. The only Republican candidate who can WIN in November and keep this seat conservative is the 4th-generation veteran, lifelong islander, businessman, and Republican Carlton Walker.
Carlton Walker have spent decades living, working, renovating homes, fixing roads and drainage problems, boating, fishing, surfing, and fighting for these islands and the people who call them home. There is only one clear choice to beat the Democrats in November, not someone who has lived behind the gate on Seabrook for less than 2 years.
This is not about going negative. We are simply pointing out reality. Do we want to WIN in November or give this seat back to the Democrats?
Vote Carlton Walker.
🚨 Johnnie Garmon Busted for Cheating? Voters Deserve the Truth: SEE BELOW FOR ALL THE EVIDENCE.
🚨THESE ARE THE TOP 5 REASONS PEOPLE ARE SWITCHING THEIR VOTES AND YARD SIGNS TO CARLTON WALKER!!! THE SAME 5 REASONS THE DEMOCRATS WOULD BEAT JOHNNIE IN NOVEMBER IF HE IS THE REPUBLICAN NOMINEE. 🚨
🚨 SENIOR SWITCHES SIGN LIVE ON FACEBOOK🚨
🚨 THREE SENIORS SWITCH SIGNS LIVE ON FACEBOOK🚨 SIGN NUMBER 500 PUT IN YARD!
🚪 WHY HIDE SEABROOK AND LIST “JOHNS ISLAND” INSTEAD OF SEABROOK ISLAND? WHY JOHNNIE GARMON?
Why tell "The Post and Courier" Johns Island when you live behind the gate on Seabrook Johnnie?
Public Charleston County and MLS property records identify Johnnie Garmon’s residence at 2240 Bohicket Creek Place as being located inside the gated community of Seabrook Island. Yet campaign finance reports filed directly by Johnnie Garmon’s own campaign list the same address as “Johns Island.”
Voters can decide for themselves why that distinction matters.
Is Johnnie Garmon ashamed to say he lives on Seabrook Island? Or does he understand that many longtime voters on Johns Island, James Island, and Folly Beach may be hesitant about turning over local representation to a newly arrived, extremely wealthy candidate living behind the gates of Seabrook?
🚪 SEABROOK ISLAND ADDRESS • JOHNS ISLAND LABEL
Johnnie Garmon’s own campaign finance filings list his address as:
2240 Bohicket Creek Place
“Johns Island, SC 29455”
However, public Charleston County property records, MLS records, and even Google Maps place that address inside the gated community of Seabrook Island near the Seabrook Island Racquet Club and Seabrook gatehouse.
So why repeatedly report “Johns Island” instead of “Seabrook Island” on campaign filings?
Voters can decide for themselves whether this was simply a mailing preference or whether Johnnie Garmon understands that many longtime residents of Johns Island, James Island, and Folly Beach may feel differently about being represented by a newly arrived multimillionaire living behind the gates of Seabrook Island.
This race is about more than money and consultants. It is about local roots, shared experiences, and understanding the flooding, roads, drainage, and everyday issues facing working families across District 115.
Carlton Walker’s family has lived on James Island since 1974. He attended Stiles Point Elementary, James Island Middle, and James Island High School, worked at Folly Beach County Park as a teenager, served in the Navy during Somalia in 1993, and spent decades physically working throughout James Island, Johns Island, Folly Beach, Kiawah, and Seabrook helping residents with homes, roads, drainage, flooding, and storm recovery.
🚨 THE CREEPS JOHNNIE GARMON PAID $16,410 TO ATTACK CARLTON WALKER 🚨
This is The Victory Network! That Johnnie Paid $16,410 for the Defamation Attacks against Carlton Walker! Imagine if he had power in our State House!
James Tyler Bessenger (left) and John Macy McGrath (right) who was paid by Johnnie Garmon through The Victory Network. John Mace McGrath opened the account with the registered agent company to start a shell LLC to slander Carlton. Stop ###### Carlton, LLC. It was paid for by Johnnie Garmon's Campaign through The Victory Network. Watch the video above!!!
This is James Bessenger, also known as James Tyler Bessenger. The founder, owner, and writer for The Carolina Courier. He is the individual who wrote defamatory statements about Carlton Walker, which were sponsored by Johnnie Garmon's campaign managers. Read more below and watch all of the videos. Anyone who creates NAZI Symbols and shares this type of stuff has major problems.
Proof: Johnnie Garmon’s Campaign Paid for Defamation! WATCH!
This should make every voter furious.
The evidence in this video shows a defamatory LLC tied to John Mace McGrath and connected to Johnnie Garmon’s campaign, used to attack a primary opponent instead of earning votes honestly. That’s not campaigning — that’s dirty politics funded to deceive voters. While our islands deal with flooding, failing roads, and real problems, they chose smears and shell games. If this is how they behave before the election, imagine what they’ll do with power!
🚨 SCREENSHOT #1 🚨
In this message exchange, Carlton Walker directly asked CJ Westfall to “talk down” Stop******Carlton.com. CJ’s response was immediate and direct: “That I will do.”
That response matters because it suggests CJ Westfall had influence, communication, or involvement connected to the website attacking Carlton Walker. Later evidence and public reporting tied John Macy McGrath to the LLC and registered agent account associated with the attacks.
Now voters are being told Johnnie Garmon had no knowledge of how the $16,410 paid to The Victory Network was spent. But these documented communications raise serious questions about how multiple campaign insiders could allegedly be connected to the attacks while the candidate himself supposedly knew nothing.
Charleston voters deserve transparency, honesty, and accountability — not anonymous smear campaigns.
🚨 SCREENSHOT #2 🚨
In this exchange, CJ Westfall tells Carlton Walker: “Let’s move on and start with a clean slate.”
That statement is significant because it came during discussions surrounding Stop******Carlton.com and the online attacks against Walker. The conversation gives the appearance that CJ Westfall was not only aware of the situation, but involved enough to discuss resolving it and “moving on.”
Later, when pressure and public scrutiny increased, CJ stated he did not want to “be involved” and did not want to “make the situation any worse.”
Voters are now being asked to believe that Johnnie Garmon had no knowledge of how thousands of dollars were spent through The Victory Network while multiple people connected to his campaign appeared to have direct knowledge of the attacks and discussions surrounding the website.
These are legitimate questions voters deserve answers to before Election Day.
🚨 SCREENSHOT #3 🚨
In this exchange, CJ Westfall tells Carlton Walker that it is “probably not appropriate” for him to “be involved” and that he does not want to “make the situation any worse.”
That statement is important because it suggests CJ believed his involvement in the Stop******Carlton situation could create additional problems or scrutiny. The next morning, Carlton Walker responded that he was simply trying to restore his reputation because much of the material posted on Stop******Carlton was “defamation 100%.”
Taken together with the other documented communications, voters are left with serious unanswered questions:
• Why were campaign insiders discussing involvement with the website?
• Why was there concern about “making the situation worse”?
• Why did multiple people connected to the campaign appear to know about the attacks while Johnnie Garmon now claims he knew nothing about how the money was spent?
These screenshots do not look like random outsiders acting independently. They raise legitimate concerns about coordination, knowledge, and accountability surrounding the attacks against Carlton Walker.
the GUYS with Mr. Garmon at his property on Seabrook who were paid $16,410 and started the Shell LLC to defame Mr. Carlton Walker.
AFP Volunteers are not happy and are done!
Breaking NEWS! Volunteers for AFP are saying they are leaving after the attacks!!
THE SMEAR WEBSITE & DISCLOSURE PROBLEM!
Hiding the Sponsor. Dodging Accountability. Misleading Voters. Paid for by Johnnie Garmon's Campaign
🚨 This Wasn’t an Accident — It Was Deliberate. John Mace McGrath was a friend until this!
After launching a smear website attacking Carlton Walker a candidate in a South Carolina House race, the operators behind it changed the LLC’s address on file with the Secretary of State 🗂️ — making it harder to figure out who owned it.
That move made it harder to:
- ❌ identify who was responsible
- ❌ locate them
- ❌ serve them with legal papers
That’s a known tactic when accountability is expected.
⚠️ Then there’s the ethics problem.
The website fails basic campaign-ethics transparency.
Political content clearly designed to influence a legislative election must:
- ✅ clearly disclose who actually paid for it
- ❌ not hide behind a shell entity like Stop %$#### Carlton, LLC
Disclosure laws exist for one reason: so voters know who is really speaking.
🔎 What the records show
What’s documented here points to a coordinated effort to:
- obscure sponsorship
- evade responsibility
- mislead the public
🗳️ Voters deserve honest campaigns — not deception, shell companies, and hidden sponsors.
Political communications meant to influence an election must clearly disclose the true sponsor — hiding behind an LLC disclaimer misleads voters and undermines accountability.
From Stop $%%%$# Carlton showing attack content labeled “Paid for by Stop $%%%%$ Carlton, LLC.”
THE REPUBLICAN COALITION WRITER, AND THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE SMEAR BELOW.
📸 CJ Westfall with the mic, standing right alongside Tyler.
For all the denials about “coordination” — here’s the reality. Same room. Same night. Same team.
These are the very people behind the smear machine targeting me, my family, and my campaign. And it’s no coincidence: CJ is running Johnnie Garmon’s campaign, while Tyler is busy writing articles propping up “Johnnie Garmon Come Lately” and a
📸 More proof of the network at work.
Naomi Matthews is actually Mara Brockbank — who runs the “Republican Coalition” and controls 5 at 5.
Here she is defending Tyler Bessenger’s smear pieces that are defamatory and piling on with personal attacks. This isn’t grassroots — it’s coordinated character assassination.
CJ runs Johnnie’s campaign, Tyler writes the hits, and Mara amplifies them.
Guilty by As
📸 At the table to the right is James Tyler Bessenger. To his right (our left) is Matthew Brockbank — Mara’s son.
In the last screenshot, Mara (posting as “Naomi Matthews”) called Tyler her “son.” Here we see her real son with him, James Tyler Bessenger.
This is not random. These are the same interconnected people — pushing smear campaigns, banning opponents, and trying to control the narrative.
Gu
Here is the proof that Matthew Brockbank, with his mother, MARA BROCKBANK, the Republican Coalition, with "her son" James Tyler Bessenger are backing Johnnie Garmon. How many of these people are actually in the district?
THIS SHOWS A CONNECTION with Mara Brockbank (posting as “Naomi Matthews”) calls Tyler and his circle “men of valor.”
But how can Tyler be a man of valor when he led a Party — a group pushing division, later barred by a judge from ever reviving it?
There is nothing honorable about leading a racist movement, spreading lies, and now using smear campaigns to attack me while propping up Johnnie Garmon. Y
johnnie garmon supports liars! how could he represent our islands after supporting thIS liar AND BEING CONNECTED THROUGH HIS MONEY TO THE OTHER LIARS?
Here is Annette Begner's SC ETHICS REPORT SHOWING JOHNNIE'S SUPPORT OF THIS LIAR BY GIVING $500. HOW WOULD THE TOWN OF JAMES ISLAND EVER WORK WITH HIM AFTER THIS?
ANNETTE BEGNER DELIBERATELY LIED!!! Johnnie has this liar doing his dirty work online! Here is the truth. https://www.reddit.com/r/Charleston/comments/1nvokxb/fyi_annette_begner_deliberately_lied_about_ji/
Here is the local news talking about Annette Begner getting caught lying.
The voters of James Island rejected this candidate, receiving only 14% of the vote. She and Johnnie have something in common: they both just moved here.
I, Carlton Walker, am very disappointed that the Costas are supporting Johnnie Garmon, who has been here for less than or just over 2 years. Cindy Costa supported Annette even after knowing what she did with Senator Leber and lied about the Mayor of James Island.
When I challenged powerful insiders over ethics and accountability, the response wasn’t transparency or debate. It was retaliation. Kicked out of Meetings, Questions shut down. Smear campaigns launched. Judge me by who wants me silenced — and ask yourself why.
I called out Senator Matt Leber for his affairs and his reckless spending. His paramour, Annette Bégner, ran for Charleston City Council to
This was sent by Annette Begner on May, 17, 2026. James Island Voters REJECTED ANNETTE BECAUSE SHE MOVED TO JI A WEEK BEFORE FILING. SHE GOT 14% OF THE VOTE
100% FALSE!!! SHE CANNOT STOP LYING. 100% FALSE.
The Charleston County Republican Party has also thrown its weight behind Annette.
This isn’t about policy disagreements. It’s about me refusing to look the other way while corruption and hypocrisy take root in our party. And for that, the smear machine is aimed at me.
But I will not back down. I will continue to fight for integrity, accountability, and for the people of District 115.
Guilty by Assoc
CJ Westfall, Johnnie Garmon (The 100 Million Dollar Man came lately, 18 months ago to Sea Brook), John McGath
Defamation lawsuit 2026? This will be one in the future.
"My Opponent’s Ally Exploited Black Children for Propaganda"
I will wait for Johnnie Garmon's campaign to denounce this and his two campaign managers too.
This case confirms that James Tyler Bessenger, my opponent's vocal defender and political hitman, was the leader of the South Carolina Secessionist Party — a group that was permanently dissolved by court order after photographing two Black children holding Confederate flags without parental permission, then posting the image online to promote pro-African American Confederate propaganda.
STATEMENT ON TYLER BESSENGER AND THE SECESSIONIST PARTY SCANDAL
In 2019, a Charleston judge permanently dissolved the South Carolina Secessionist Party after it was sued for taking and circulating photos of two Black children holding Confederate flags — without their mother’s consent — to falsely imply support for their cause. The leader of that group? James Tyler Bessenger, the same man now working hand-in-hand with my opponent’s campaign and spreading coordinated attacks against me.
According to court records, Bessenger was ordered to apologize and donate to the NAACP, admitting he had grossly misjudged the true motives behind the flag movement he once led. The party’s websites and social media were shut down for good, and any reactivation could cost them millions in penalties.
This isn’t about political games anymore — this is about judgment, character, and what kind of people you trust to shape your community’s future. If my opponent won’t condemn this behavior or disassociate from the people behind it, then it speaks volumes.
I’m not running to divide — I’m running to build. And no matter how ugly they get, I will continue standing up for truth, decency, and every family in this district.
Lawsuit settlement calls for permanent end to SC Secessionist Party, NAACP donation
By Patrick PhillipsUpdated: Feb. 28, 2019 at 5:28 PM EST
CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - The South Carolina Secessionist Party has been permanently dissolved after a woman sued the party over photos taken of her children holding Confederate flags.
Alicia Greene filed a civil lawsuit last April against the party over a photo taken of her children at the Battery in downtown Charleston in June 2017.
In the photo, her 7 and 8-year-old children, both black, were holding Confederate flags and that the photo was circulated without her permission in an effort to imply endorsement of the flag.
According to a Ninth Circuit Court of Common Pleas document, the party will now be disbanded and will forever remain dissolved and its "entire web presence," including all websites and social media pages "will be immediately and forever removed or deleted."
The settlement also stipulates that if the party or its web presence is reactivated, all of the defendants will each agree to pay the plaintiffs $1 million each.
One of the defendants, James Tyler Bessenger, who led the party before it was dissolved, agreed to apologize to the plaintiffs for everything they suffered as a result of the incident and agreed to donate $1,000 to the Charleston branch of the NAACP in the name of Greene and her family, the documents state.
The settlement allows Bessenger to retain the right to the name, "South Carolina Secessionist Party" but states he will not give anyone else permission to use it.
"Bessenger does acknowledge that while he became a leader in the Secessionist Party movement because he thought that the people who waved the flag with racist motives were in the vast minority, and that most people were genuinely interested in the historical aspects of the Confederacy, he is now convinced that this is not the case," the document states.
Greene sued for defamation and punitive damages in connection with the photo. She said she was having a picnic in White Point Gardens with her children on the same day the party was holding a pro-flag rally in the park.
The purpose of the rally was to, "Spreading the love to ALL our southern brothers and sisters," according to a party Facebook post cited in the lawsuit.
The lawsuit stated Greene's children went to admire a fire truck nearby at which point party members gave the children Confederate flags and took a photo of the children holding the flags without their permission.
Later that afternoon, the lawsuit states she was made aware that the party had posted the photo of her children holding the flags to the SC Secessionist Party Facebook page with the caption " #TeachTheYouthTheTruth" and "DixieRising".
Greene states she received enough backlash about the post that she was forced to take down her own Facebook page. The post was eventually deleted, but not before it had been public for more than one day, according to the suit.
The lawsuit stated the personality of the children was misrepresented in the post. Greene sued for defamation as well as punitive and actual damages.
With Judge Alex Kinlaw’s approval of the order, the lawsuit is dismissed and Greene is barred from bringing future claims against the defendants.
Copyright 2019 WCSC. All rights reserved.
do you want Johnnie Garmon: a newcomer, backed by This Racist smear machine and hypocrisy?”
PURE EVIL! Johnnie should be ashamed to be associated with this guy and his slander of the African American community and Carlton Walker! Between his leadership in the Secessionist Party, his appearance wearing symbols associated with Satanism, and reports of conversations about Nazi memorabilia, voters should carefully consider the judgment and values behind these actions.
These images were sent to me by a supporter who is a current member of the SC House and wants me to win.
The Carolina Couier Founder, the writer of the defamation of Carlton Walker, sent out text messages, websites, social media, and mailers paid for by Johnnie Garmon's campaign. He says, a former Democrat.
Johnnie Garmon & Tyler Bessinger: Pandering, Hate, and Hypocrisy Exposed
This album lays out the hypocrisy in plain sight. Johnnie Garmon claims to be a champion of unity and heritage, yet he paints himself as a victim of racism while running to represent the very communities he disparages. He says he lived in an all-Black neighborhood and went to a school where a famous African American once attended — as if that proves he shared their struggle. But let’s be real: Michael Jordan is 62, Johnnie is 50 — a 12-year gap. Jordan graduated long before Johnnie ever set foot in that school. I guarantee Johnnie never endured racism the way Jordan did. That’s not empathy — that’s shameless pandering for the Black vote. And what does Michael Jordan or North Carolina have to do with District 115 here in Charleston? Absolutely nothing.
For Tyler Bessinger to write Johnnie’s campaign story, he had to speak directly with him. And here’s the kicker: Johnnie already knew Tyler’s history. Weeks ago, I ran a story exposing Tyler for what he really is — a man with a past rooted in hatred where he acknowleges his group members were promoting racism, and even forced into a settlement with the NAACP. The NAACP settlement makes it crystal clear — if Tyler ever tries to revive that movement, he owes up to one million dollars. On top of that, in a conversation relayed by journalist who spoke with Tyler, Tyler Bessenger allegedly stated that he collected Nazi memorabilia. This was reported to Carlton Walker directly and is presented here as such. That’s not heritage, that’s exploitation and extremism.
And yet, knowing all of this, Johnnie still allowed Tyler to write for him. He gave him the platform to publish a story framing himself as a white victim of racism, while pretending to honor Gullah Geechee heritage. That isn’t just hypocrisy — it’s willful complicity. I, Carlton Walker, would never allow anyone with that kind of past anywhere near my campaign.
Johnnie has only lived here about a year and a half or 18 months, yet he drapes himself in Gullah Geechee heritage as if it were his own. That’s shameful. As one African American woman from Johns Island said when asked how many Gullah Geechee families still live behind the gates of Seabrook: “Not a damn one!” She later texted me directly: “Yes, will be willing & glad to work with you on Johns Island for sure, we gotta keep him outta office👍🏿."
The people who truly live here see through the pandering. These photos below and facts tell the story: this isn’t leadership. It’s hypocrisy, exploitation, and a smear machine designed to mislead the voters of District 115.
The proof:
Johnnie Garmon’s campaign claims he “understands the unique needs of District 115” and will honor Gullah Geechee heritage. But after living here only 18 months, this isn’t understanding — it’s pandering. The real Gullah Geechee community sees through it, because empty words in a campaign flyer don’t erase hypocrisy or outsider politics.
Johnnie Garmon paints himself as the “only white kid” bullied in his neighborhood, claiming victimhood for the color of his skin. Yet today he campaigns as if he’s the defender of Gullah Geechee heritage. You can’t rewrite your past to play both sides — that’s hypocrisy and pure pandering.
Johnnie Garmon points to attending the same high school as Michael Jordan, but the math doesn’t add up. Jordan is 62, Garmon is 50 — a 12-year gap. Jordan graduated long before Garmon ever walked those halls. Trying to borrow credibility from Jordan’s legacy isn’t leadership, it’s shameless pandering for votes.
Johnnie Garmon’s story begins in Greensboro, North Carolina — not Charleston, not James Island, not Johns Island, not Folly Beach, not Kiawah, not Seabrook. He’s a newcomer to District 115, trying to rebrand himself as part of our heritage after just 18 months here. That’s not roots, that’s opportunism.
Tyler Bessinger admits his mission is to stop "Carlton Walker" from ever holding office, then writes a glowing “spotlight” on Johnnie Garmon while pretending the Carolina Courier doesn’t endorse in primaries. That’s bias, plain and simple. And just like his buddy Corey at WTMA, who gave Johnnie two hours on air and refused me even a minute, it violates the federal equal-time rule that requires me
Tyler Bessinger isn’t reporting — he admits his mission is to keep me "Carlton Walker" out of office. That’s not journalism, that’s sabotage.
The full press release May 18, 2026.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Carlton Walker Announces Proposed Legislation to Stop Digital Smear Campaigns, Reform Family Court, and Protect South Carolina Families
Proposed for Public Discussion:
The South Carolina Digital Accountability, Family Protection, and Anti Cyberbullying Act
By Carlton Walker
Candidate for South Carolina House District 115
CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC —
South Carolina House District 115 candidate Carlton Walker announced today a proposed statewide discussion surrounding what he is calling:
“The South Carolina Digital Accountability, Family Protection, and Anti Cyberbullying Act”
Walker says recent events during the District 115 campaign exposed a much larger crisis facing South Carolina families, parents, children, candidates, small business owners, and ordinary citizens.
That crisis includes:
• coordinated online attacks
• digital smear campaigns
• false accusations
• edited and manipulated media
• cyberbullying
• reputational destruction
• anonymous political attack operations
• digital publishers posing as legitimate news outlets
• Family Court abuse
• judicial conflicts of interest
• quasi-immunity protections
• financially destructive litigation
• and systems that allow devastating allegations to spread without accountability
Walker says this proposal is based not only on recent political attacks against him, but also on his personal experiences involving Family Court, alleged defamation, judicial accountability, appeal issues, financial hardship, reunification struggles, and online harassment.
Campaign Attacks and Coordinated Digital Smear Campaigns
Walker stated that individuals including:
• Corey Allen
• James Tyler Bessenger of The Carolina Courier
• Mara Brockbank, also known online as Naomi Matthews associated with The Republican Coalition
publicly amplified accusations implying criminal conduct against him involving political signs despite the existence of:
✅ Full-context video evidence
✅ Permission from multiple senior homeowners
✅ Public comments confirming homeowner permission was edited or omitted
✅ No fewer than three senior property owners giving permission involving signs
✅ The full video being publicly available for voters to review
Full video:
https://youtu.be/vjipEz8c3PA?feature=shared
Walker says the accusations were spread through:
• Facebook groups
• online articles
• digital political messaging
• repost chains
• political activist networks
• mass text messaging
• and coordinated digital amplification
Walker says the posts reportedly reached:
• more than 30,000 views
• hundreds of comments
• more than 50 reposts or shares across Facebook groups
• and widespread circulation throughout District 115
Walker says the attacks were not focused on:
• roads
• flooding
• drainage
• traffic
• seniors
• affordability
• or solving problems for the people of District 115
“This became a coordinated digital character assassination campaign built around edited clips, false implications, outrage, and amplification,” Walker said.
Walker says falsely accusing someone of criminal conduct is among the most serious forms of defamation under American law.
Public Supporters Speaking Out
As the controversy spread online, many voters and supporters publicly defended Walker and criticized the edited clips and accusations.
One supporter publicly wrote:
“Carlton is trolling all ya’ll lol… he asked each of those homeowners if he could change out their yard sign… It’s pretty genius actually… knock on doors with your opponent’s yard signs and talk about the issues and get em to change their minds.”
Another commenter stated:
“The homeowner asked him to remove the sign. They just edited that part out to make Carlton Walker look bad.”
Another voter added:
“The homeowner asked him to change it after a conversation. This post is crap. Just tell the truth and don’t be disingenuous.”
Dennis Fassuliotis publicly commented:
“It’s a sad day when so-called journalists and influencers cherry-pick a political opponent’s video, rip a clip completely out of context, misrepresent the source, and then weaponize their networks to launch a coordinated character assassination campaign.”
Another supporter wrote privately:
“I hope u can prove ur innocence and make them eat their words.”
Another supporter, Dawn Pierce, stated:
“CJ slandered me too. I just told AFP after today I’m done unless they un-endorse Johnny Garmon.”
Walker says many voters have privately approached him throughout the campaign to shake his hand, encourage him, request more signs, request larger signs, and tell him that the more his opponents attack him, the more support he gains.
Corey Allen and WTMA
Walker also stated that he previously raised concerns involving former WTMA host Corey Allen.
“I was the one who got Corey Allen removed from WTMA after raising concerns about equal-time violations and what I believe were defamatory statements made about me over public airwaves without a fair opportunity to correct the record,” Walker said.
Walker says the situation reinforced his belief that traditional media, broadcast platforms, digital publishers, and social media operators must be held to higher accountability standards when accusations are amplified without factual verification or full context.
“If a person can use public airwaves, Facebook groups, online publications, anonymous websites, and political text messages to damage someone’s reputation without equal correction or accountability, then the law has not kept up with technology,” Walker said.
James Tyler Bessenger and The Carolina Courier
Walker also pointed to James Tyler Bessenger’s prior public history involving litigation tied to online publication conduct and misuse of digital platforms.
Walker says The Carolina Courier presents itself as a legitimate news organization while operating as what he describes as a political attack platform targeting him and his family.
“There is a major difference between journalism and coordinated political attacks disguised as journalism,” Walker said. “Legitimate media verifies facts, provides context, and gives people an opportunity to respond.”
Walker referenced publicly reported litigation and news coverage involving organizations associated with James Tyler Bessenger:
Live 5 News:
https://www.live5news.com/2019/02/28/lawsuit-settlement-calls-permanent-end-sc-secessionist-party-naacp-donation/
Walker also referenced additional public reporting involving Bessenger:
ABC News 4:
https://abcnews4.com/news/local/pd-man-charged-after-defacing-ukraine-flag-at-charleston-city-hall-wciv
Walker says voters deserve transparency regarding the people and organizations involved in politically motivated digital attacks.
“Tyler Bessenger already has a public history involving online controversy, litigation, and digital publication issues,” Walker said. “Now he is operating through The Carolina Courier, presenting it as news while repeatedly targeting me and my family with political attack content.”
Walker says this is exactly why South Carolina needs stronger standards for digital publishers that present themselves as media while engaging in political opposition work.
The Carolina Courier, False Stories, and Family Attacks
Walker says that throughout the campaign, negative stories published by The Carolina Courier about him and his family were repeatedly attached, reshared, and circulated with additional online attacks.
Walker says:
• articles about him were amplified across Facebook groups
• attacks were paired with social media commentary
• accusations were spread through political networks
• his family was dragged into political attacks
• and false narratives were repeatedly recycled online
Walker says voters witnessed what appeared to be a coordinated digital smear campaign designed not to debate issues, but to personally destroy and discredit a political opponent and his family.
“This was not about public policy,” Walker said. “This was about taking a candidate, taking his family, taking a Family Court case, taking edited clips, and using them as weapons.”
Allegations Regarding Coordinated Political Activity and The Victory Network
Walker also alleges that entities connected to his political opponent were involved in financially supporting operations connected to online attacks against him.
Walker states that according to South Carolina Ethics Commission filings, Johnnie Garmon paid $16,410 to The Victory Network.
Walker alleges those payments involved:
• John Macy McGrath
Berkeley County Republican Party Chairman
Owner of the registered agent account tied to the LLC
Nephew of Congresswoman Nancy Mace
and
• CJ Westfall
Dorchester County Republican Party Chairman
Walker alleges those funds were connected to coordinated political attack operations targeting him online.
Walker says voters can review public records and supporting information at:
Walker also stated that campaign-related text messaging allegedly connected to the Sea Island Republican Coalition distributed links and attack content tied to these operations to voters in District 115.
“Voters deserve transparency,” Walker said. “When shell entities, political operatives, coordinated attacks, anonymous-style content, and misleading online publications are involved, the public has a right to know who is behind it.”
Concerns Regarding Political Judgment and Local Leadership
Walker also expressed disappointment regarding local political figures whom he says have known him personally for decades but nevertheless supported political operations connected to attacks against him.
Walker specifically referenced Charleston County Councilmember Jenny Costa Honeycutt and Cindy Costa.
Walker states that he has known the Costa family since the 1990s and specifically referenced knowing Jenny Costa Honeycutt since approximately 2001.
Walker says he believes it reflects poor political judgment for longtime local leaders to support his opponent, Johnnie Garmon, while simultaneously remaining silent during coordinated public attacks against him and his family.
Walker also referenced a public statement made by Johnnie Garmon during an appearance on WTMA with Corey Allen in which Garmon stated that he had moved to the area approximately “a year and a half ago.”
Video:
https://youtube.com/shorts/I7K3cYOSvSo?feature=share
Walker noted that the interview occurred toward the latter part of the previous year and says the statement reinforces concerns from voters regarding local representation, community roots, and familiarity with the long-term issues affecting James Island, Johns Island, Folly Beach, Kiawah, and Seabrook.
“District 115 deserves someone who has lived these flooding problems, traffic problems, drainage failures, and local issues for decades — not someone who just recently arrived,” Walker said.
“My question to voters is simple: how can someone who has only lived behind the gate on Seabrook for about two years truly have the experience to represent James Island, Johns Island, Folly Beach, Kiawah, and Seabrook when they haven’t even lived through a major named storm here yet?” Walker said.
“The people of District 115 deserve someone who has spent decades dealing with flooding, evacuations, hurricanes, drainage failures, traffic problems, and rebuilding these islands after storms — not someone still learning the community.”
Walker also referenced prior political controversies on James Island involving former Charleston City Council candidate Annette Bessinger and public accusations made against James Island Mayor Brook Lyon.
Walker pointed to reporting by the Post and Courier titled “Charleston City Council candidate's claims about James Island mayor don't match meeting recording” which discussed discrepancies between public allegations and recorded meetings:
Walker says that despite the public reporting and recordings, certain political figures continued supporting Annette Bessinger while dismissing what Walker says were firsthand observations and documented contradictions.
Walker specifically stated that Jenny Costa Honeycutt and Cindy Costa continued supporting Annette Bessinger even after the public controversy surrounding the recordings and reporting became widely known.
Walker says this reinforced his belief that political alliances sometimes outweigh facts, recordings, or firsthand observations.
Walker says this is part of a larger pattern where political narratives are amplified first and facts are examined later.
“When you stand up for what you believe is the truth, you learn very quickly that some people will attack you for it,” Walker said.
Walker says he believes many voters are frustrated by environments where recordings, witnesses, and public documentation are ignored because of political alliances or campaign loyalty.
Walker also criticized what he described as selective outrage from local political figures, saying it is disappointing to see longtime political acquaintances support coordinated attacks against him while previously supporting candidates involved in public controversies that were later challenged by recordings and media reports.
Walker also referenced prior political situations involving candidates who moved into the area shortly before running for office and says he believes some local leaders failed to stand up for longtime locals during those situations as well.
“It is disappointing that people who have known me for decades chose to support someone who publicly stated he moved here about a year and a half earlier while saying nothing as coordinated attacks were launched against me and my family,” Walker said.
Walker further stated that he believes it raises concerns that individuals associated with supporting Johnnie Garmon continued backing him despite public allegations involving payments to The Victory Network and coordinated digital attacks tied to political operatives.
Walker reiterated that according to public South Carolina Ethics filings, Johnnie Garmon paid approximately $16,410 to The Victory Network.
Walker alleges those funds were connected to political attack efforts targeting him during the District 115 race.
Walker says:
“Voters have to decide whether this reflects the kind of judgment and leadership they want representing them.”
Walker also stated that he believes elected officials and candidates should stand against coordinated digital smear campaigns regardless of political alliances.
“Leaders should speak up when they see people being unfairly targeted and publicly destroyed,” Walker said. “Silence in the face of coordinated attacks says a lot.”
Walker also stated that he believes Jenny Costa Honeycutt’s association with supporting Johnnie Garmon while these attacks were occurring reflects what he considers to be a serious lack of judgment for someone currently running for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.
Family Court Reform, Judicial Accountability, and Walker’s Case
Walker says the attacks against him became even more disturbing because many of the allegations being circulated online relied heavily on statements, court filings, and narratives connected to an ongoing Family Court case that is currently on appeal.
Walker states that September 12, 2022 was the last day he saw his daughter.
Walker says Representative Gil Gatch became involved in the case after identifying what he believed were serious concerns involving statements made by a therapist connected to the case.
Walker states that at the time, Representative Gil Gatch was serving as his attorney and deposed the therapist involved in the matter.
Walker says Gatch identified what Walker describes as false and defamatory statements that are now the subject of an open defamation case currently pending in Charleston County Circuit Court.
Walker says many of the people attacking him publicly online — including Corey Allen, James Tyler Bessenger, Mara Brockbank, and others — failed to disclose that the therapist involved is currently being sued over those alleged statements.
Walker says that omission created a false public narrative by presenting disputed allegations as established fact while ignoring the ongoing litigation challenging those statements.
Walker also referenced a public video involving Representative Gil Gatch discussing concerns related to Walker’s case and broader Family Court issues in South Carolina:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsQezYUJH0s
Walker clarified that the video was recorded by Walker himself and involved Representative Gatch speaking publicly regarding concerns surrounding the case and reunification issues involving Walker and his daughter.
Walker says Gatch testified that Walker should be reunited with his daughter.
Walker says the current Family Court system allows life-altering accusations and judicial decisions to occur without juries, while parents can lose years with their children before appeals are resolved.
Walker also stated that members of the press attended portions of the proceedings before being removed from the courtroom and the case sealed.
Walker alleges that later, the final order was unsealed and publicly exposed extensive allegations against him that Walker says are false, misleading, defamatory, and capable of being disproven.
Walker says he believes the release of the order was done intentionally because he had become outspoken regarding Family Court reform, judicial accountability, constitutional concerns, and corruption within the system.
Walker says he was also successful in helping prevent the promotion of the judge involved in the case to the judge’s father’s Ninth Circuit judicial seat.
Walker states that multiple motions requesting recusal were filed and that Representative Jordan Pace submitted an affidavit asserting there was a political conflict involving Walker’s outspoken reform efforts.
Walker says the judge nevertheless retained the case and later issued a 177-page final order.
Walker says most Family Court custody orders are dramatically shorter and alleges that the order in his case read more like an appellate brief than a traditional custody order.
Walker says the current appeal seeks to overturn substantial portions of that order, which he alleges contains numerous false statements and unsupported findings.
Walker states:
“By the time meaningful reform happens, it will already be too late for me. My daughter will be 18. I already lost her middle school years and most of her high school years.”
Walker says he will never forget the moment his daughter was taken from him.
“She was crying and I told her, ‘Please don’t cry. This is not my plan or your plan. Somehow this is God’s plan. I will never give up. One day when we reunite, I promise I will make all of your dreams come true.’”
Walker says at the time his daughter, known in racing circles as “Racin’ Rosalyn,” had accumulated approximately 230 go-kart racing victories and raced alongside Keelan Harvick and Brexton Busch.
Walker says she was well-liked throughout the racing community in Charlotte before the Family Court litigation interrupted that part of her life.
Walker says the experience fundamentally changed his life and direction.
At the time, Walker worked primarily as a specialty contractor performing:
• masonry
• painting
• carpentry
• renovations
• restoration work
Since then, Walker says he completed an internship process, became a licensed residential builder, and expanded his company Golden Property Renovations.
Walker says the company was named after the Golden Rule:
“Treat others as you would want to be treated.”
Walker also states that at the time he made that promise to his daughter, he was a licensed real estate agent.
Walker is now a licensed Real Estate Broker-in-Charge through We Love Real Estate Company.
Walker says that company name reflects his belief in:
“We love our neighbors.”
Walker says his business model differs from traditional house flipping because his companies help homeowners renovate homes while allowing the homeowners themselves to keep the majority of the equity rather than outside investors taking all profits.
Walker also alleges that the Family Court system financially devastated him.
Walker states that despite earning approximately $66,000 annually at the time, he was ordered to pay approximately $3,906 per month.
Walker says only approximately $609 of that amount was traditional child support.
Walker alleges the remainder primarily involved attorney fees, GAL fees, and court-related costs.
Walker says GAL fees alone exceeded approximately $390,000 during the litigation.
Walker further states that his ex-wife was ordered to pay approximately $580 monthly toward obligations connected to the case.
Walker alleges that because of the structure of the payments, only approximately $29 ultimately reached his daughter directly each month after financial cycling between parties.
Walker says he believes the financial structure of the case was designed in a way that could eventually force him into jail through financial exhaustion and nonpayment.
Walker states that despite destroyed credit, enormous legal bills, borrowing from family members, and years of litigation, he has continued making payments while pursuing appeal rights.
Walker says he has made approximately 24 consecutive payments while the appeal remains pending.
Walker says Family Court appeals move slowly while parenting time continues disappearing permanently because financial obligations are generally not stayed during appeal.
Walker says his case is currently expedited because of Family Court timelines and the irreversible loss of time with children.
Walker says the emotional toll of Family Court in South Carolina has reached catastrophic levels.
Walker states:
“Since 2019 I have personally watched two judges be killed in Family Court-related situations. I’ve watched parents kill themselves, kill their children, and destroy families. This has to stop.”
Walker says his motivation is not revenge but reform.
Walker says he lives by what he learned serving as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate on the flight deck of a U.S. Navy carrier:
“Don’t tell me how rocky the sea is, just bring the damn ship in.”
Walker says his Family Court trial concluded on Good Friday in 2024.
Walker states that during the proceedings he carried a rosary blessed by Pope John Paul II and reflected on his family’s more than 50-year connection to Nativity Catholic Church on James Island.
Walker says that while watching what he describes as a deeply broken court system operate without jury trials despite parents losing access to their children, he prayed silently.
Walker states:
“God, this is nowhere near what you went through for me. Thank you for showing me this with my own eyes. If you keep me walking in your path and send me to the South Carolina State House, then you know my resolve as a descendant of Revolutionary War veterans and as a fourth-generation veteran who took an oath to support and defend the Constitution. I will spend the rest of my life fighting this injustice for the children of South Carolina and the United States.”
Proposed Legislative Discussion Points
Walker says the proposed legislation would begin statewide discussion regarding:
• stronger anti-defamation protections
• mandatory correction requirements
• rapid takedown procedures for knowingly false accusations
• accountability standards for digital publishers
• transparency requirements for political attack entities
• disclosure rules for coordinated online political operations
• limitations on anonymous political smear campaigns
• protections for minors and families involved in court proceedings
• reform of quasi-immunity protections
• judicial accountability standards
• Family Court transparency reforms
• expanded constitutional protections in Family Court
• stronger penalties for knowingly false statements used in custody proceedings
• independent review procedures for GALs, therapists, and court actors
• and potential civil liability standards involving knowingly amplified false accusations on digital platforms
Walker says discussions should also include whether repeated defamatory conduct by media personalities, online publishers, or political operatives should potentially result in suspension, licensing consequences, removal from public broadcasting platforms, or civil penalties after findings of defamation, libel, or slander.
Walker says the legislation is inspired in part by growing bipartisan discussions nationally involving online exploitation, AI abuse, digital harms, and social media accountability, including proposals supported by Representative Brandon Guffey and recent federal initiatives signed by President Trump regarding online child protections.
Post and Courier:
https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/commentary/sc-proposed-law-ai-exploitation-protect-children/article_715590db-131e-44d4-9cd6-bf20cfb23778.html
Walker says South Carolina must now expand those conversations to include digital political harassment, reputational destruction, Family Court exploitation, and coordinated cyberbullying campaigns.
“Children are being destroyed. Families are being destroyed. Reputations are being destroyed. And technology has moved faster than accountability,” Walker said.
Closing Statement
Walker says he believes God gives people difficult battles for a reason.
“I believe God only burdens His toughest soldiers with the toughest battles,” Walker said.
Walker says he hopes voters look beyond political attacks and focus instead on:
• flooding
• drainage
• roads
• traffic
• affordability
• seniors
• constitutional rights
• transparency
• accountability
• and protecting South Carolina families
Walker encouraged voters to review the full-context video evidence, public records, court filings, ethics reports, and supporting documentation themselves rather than relying on edited clips or coordinated online narratives.
For more information:
https://JohnnieGarmon.info
Campaign Website:
https://VoteCarltonWalker.com
Respectfully submitted,
Carlton Walker
Candidate for South Carolina House District 115
U.S. Navy Veteran
Licensed Residential Builder
Real Estate Broker-in-Charge
🌐 VoteCarltonWalker.com
🌐 JohnnieGarmon.info
by Carlton Walker for SC House 115
Victory Through Persistence
