West Columbia, SC 08/01/2024 - Steven Lefemine, 68, of West Columbia was sentenced to 60 days imprisonment and fined $1,000 after being found guilty of a misdemeanor violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinics (FACE) Act.
Evidence presented during his trial showed that Lefemine blocked the entrance to the Columbia Office of Planned Parenthood. Testimony from the trial indicated that Lefemine was a frequent protester of the clinic and, on this occasion, physically sought to bar employees and patients from entering the facility. Lefemine recorded his activities and presented the audio/video recordings during the trial. Lefemine was arrested by the Columbia Police Department for trespassing and removed from the site. During the sentencing hearing, United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Anderson noted that Lefemine has multiple previous convictions for similar behavior.
Lefemine is known as a tireless activist who has protested against abortions for decades. A graduate of the US Military Academy, he can be seen at the SC Statehouse and clinics who offer information regarding and access to abortions. He waves his bible, sings hymns, and will tell all passing bye that a child becomes a human being at the moment of conception.
During June's primary election, he took a particular interest in the race for Senate District 23. This races pitted long-time incumbent Katrina Shealy of Red Bank against political newcomer Carlisle Kennedy of Lexington. Leading up to Election Day, Lefemine would send multiple emails, sometimes 2 or 3 a day, reminding voters of Shealy's position on abortions. Shealy said that the women of District 23 had voiced to her that they wanted less restriction than the Fetal Heartbeat law currently provides. Even though Kennedy was the candidate, some wondered if Lafemine was given the constant barrage of criticism he lobbed at Shealy.
The FACE Act was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in May 1994 in response to the escalation of violence surrounding abortion clinics in the early 1990s. The Act criminalizes violence toward or obstruction of health care facilities or places of worship.
This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney T. DeWayne Pearson prosecuted the case.
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