A Santee police officer lost his job after Goose Creek authorities charged him with pointing and presenting a firearm at a person during a football game dispute.
Everett Alan Culpepper, 55, of Bowman, allegedly displayed his off-duty firearm in a threatening manner while arguing with the head referee at a Northwoods Academy football game on Friday, according to Santee Police Chief Kevin Borghi.
“At some point, Sgt. Culpepper allegedly displayed his off-duty firearm in a threatening manner during the argument with referee staff,” Borghi said.
Goose Creek police responded to the incident and filed a report, which they presented to a magistrate.
The magistrate signed a warrant for Culpepper’s arrest. Around 2 p.m. on Sunday, Culpepper turned himself in to authorities in Berkeley County.
The Town of Santee Police Department acted swiftly, terminating Culpepper’s employment on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
“The Town of Santee Police Department takes these types of allegations very seriously and wants to ensure the public that this incident was handled swiftly and effectively,” Borghi said.
Borghi also reported the allegations to the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy for potential misconduct in office charges.
He emphasized that Santee Police Department officers are held to high standards, and “this type of behavior and conduct will not be tolerated.”
Culpepper had been employed by the Santee Police Department for about two years.
If convicted of the felony offense of pointing and presenting a firearm at a person, he could face up to five years in prison.
