City of Aiken solicitor is stepping down

City of Aiken Solicitor Ben Moore will be stepping down from his position later this month.

Moore put in his resignation Wednesday, which will go into effect Jan. 27, according to City Manager Richard Pearce.

Moore has served as the city solicitor since 2008, sworn in that November. He filled the position that Pearce vacated when he became the assistant city manager.

"We certainly appreciate his service while he was with us," Pearce said.

Before taking that position, Moore had worked in the City of Aiken Solicitor's Office as the chief prosecutor for Bamberg and Barnwell counties in the 3rd Judicial Circuit for 12 years.

Moore said the main reason he chose to resign was to return to his hometown in the Spartanburg area.

"It's been very nice being here. I enjoy the people I've worked with and working with the City of Aiken," Moore said. "It was a hard decision."

Moore said he plans to take some time off and decide on what his next step will be.

The position of city solicitor is described as an adviser to city committees, boards and commissions and one who represents Aiken in assigned litigation, according to the municipality's website. The city solicitor also researches and prepares for city court and jury trials by reviewing paperwork, interviewing witnesses, teaming with law enforcement officers, prosecuting cases involving criminal defense attorneys and pro se defendants, reviewing video evidence and trial exhibits, researching legal questions and much more. They may also be assigned other legal duties, according to the website.

Pearce said the City will advertise the open position as soon as possible, and the job is currently posted on www.cityofaikensc.gov.

Amy Banton is the city beat reporter for the Aiken Standard and has been with the newspaper since May 2010. She is a native of Virginia and a graduate of Randolph Macon Woman's College.