STAFF REPORT

CAMDEN – A Wilcox County commissioner and the county’s recreation director got into an argument that turned into a physical altercation Tuesday at the courthouse, which landed the recreation director in jail.

Eli Mack turned himself in Wednesday after learning a warrant for his arrest had been issued. He was released on $15,000 bond. Mack told reporters he was not allowed to sign a warrant on District 6 Commissioner Reginald Southall, who he said started it.

The who-did-what will be sorted out in Wilcox County District Court before Judge Jo Celeste Pettway, set for Nov. 2.

Mack, charged with assault second degree, said he asked Southall if the 50 percent cut in the county’s recreation budget “was personal,” and a fight ensued. Commissioners have said budget cuts were coming to nearly all departments, since the county experienced shortfalls each year in the last quarter of the fiscal year.

“He initiated it, and I’ve got the right to defend myself,” Mack said.

Southall could not be reached Wednesday for comment.