Gary Alexander Maner, a 33-year-old West Columbia man, pled guilty on March 22, 2024, to Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature. Circuit Court Judge Debra R. McCaslin presided over the plea and sentenced Maner to 15 years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Under South Carolina law, Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature is classified a violent, serious, and no-parole offense.

The charge was prosecuted by Assistant Solicitor Bruce H. Norton II, and investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

On June 8, 2023, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call for service for an assault which occurred at a local bar. The caller reported a man was assaulted by an individual with a pool stick inside the bar. Upon arrival, Deputies were informed that Lexington County Emergency Medical Services were in the process of transporting the victim to an area hospital for emergency treatment and were provided a suspect description.

Deputies located Maner, who matched the suspect description, in front of the establishment. Maner identified himself to the deputies and ultimately admitted to striking the victim in the back of the head with a pool stick. Witness statements and surveillance video corroborated Maner’s admission. Maner was taken into custody on scene and was charged with one count of Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature.

The victim suffered significant blunt force trauma and required emergency surgery and extensive subsequent medical treatment. The victim has since made a significant recovery, but will likely require lifelong medical treatment and care.

Maner will be transported to the South Carolina Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence.