News Summary
Garvin O’Neal Mintz, an 80-year-old ex-county councilmember from Spartanburg, was arrested for breach of peace and third-degree assault. The incident occurred at his residence where he allegedly assaulted a deputy. This raises concerns about public officials’ accountability and behavior. Mintz, who has a history in public service, will face legal repercussions stemming from this incident. The local community and political analysts are closely watching the developments.
Spartanburg, South Carolina — Garvin O’Neal Mintz, an 80-year-old former Spartanburg County Councilmember, was arrested late on September 3 and now faces charges of breach of peace of high and aggravated nature and third-degree assault and battery. Both charges are classified as misdemeanors.
The incident occurred at Mintz’s residence on Peach Shed Road, where deputies from the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a disturbance. Upon arrival, deputies found Mintz, who appeared to be heavily intoxicated. During their interaction, Mintz reportedly threw the contents of his drink into one of the deputies’ faces, prompting the arrest.
Following the incident, Mintz was taken into custody and subsequently released from jail at 12:41 a.m. on September 4.
The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office has not released an official incident report regarding the arrest. Reporters have been informed that obtaining such a report will require a Freedom of Information Act request.
Mintz has a history of public service, having been elected to the Spartanburg County Council in 2006 and serving two full terms. He ran for a seat in the South Carolina House District 32 during the 2018 elections but was defeated by his opponent, Max Hyde, by a significant margin.
This incident raises questions about the accountability of public officials and the consequences of their actions while in or out of office. The circumstances surrounding Mintz’s arrest are currently under investigation.
The charges against Mintz could lead to significant legal repercussions, depending on the outcomes of court proceedings. As a former county council member, his actions may spark discussions within the community regarding appropriate behavior for elected officials and the impact of alcohol on conduct.
Mintz’s previously held position brings attention to how those in leadership roles are perceived in the context of personal behavior. The public’s response is likely to reflect a mixture of disappointment and concern regarding the conduct of elected representatives.
As more details emerge about the incident, community members and political analysts will be monitoring the situation closely to understand its implications for Spartanburg County’s governance and community relations.
In summary, the arrest of Garvin O’Neal Mintz for alleged assault against a deputy is a significant incident that highlights the intersection of personal conduct and public service. His previous role as a county council member adds layers of complexity to the narrative, inviting scrutiny over how public figures navigate their responsibilities.
For now, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office continues to manage responses to inquiries about the case, while local residents may await further updates regarding the legal proceedings against Mintz.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Former Spartanburg Co. Councilmember Throws Drink at Deputy, Arrested
- Post and Courier: Former Spartanburg County Councilmember Arrested for Assault
- WSPA: Man Faces Charges After Altercation with Upstate Deputy
- WSPA: Upstate Man’s Charges Tied to Mintz Scrap Yard
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg County, South Carolina

Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
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