Former youth director pleads guilty to assault
The former leader of an organization focused on helping youth pleaded guilty last week to domestic assault.
Lorenzo Lawson pleaded guilty Oct. 5 to one count of second-degree domestic assault. His sentencing is set for Nov. 19. Lawson was charged last November after a woman told investigators that he punched her several times, causing a bloody lip, marks on her forehead and a swollen cheek. She also told police that she had to be treated for a broken jaw.
Lawson is the former executive director of the Youth Empowerment Zone in Columbia and a former church pastor. He stepped down from his position at the youth mentoring organization after he was accused.