Bell appointed magistrate judge

By Messenger Staff Reports

Published: June 27, 2008

DARLINGTON – Glenn Mondrae “Monty” Bell, 27, a Hartsville native, is a new judge-magistrate for Darlington County. He began his duties on Monday, June 23.

Bell will be one of the youngest magistrates in South Carolina. He was recommended for the job by Sen. Gerald Malloy, District 29, Chesterfield, Darlington, Lee and Marlboro counties.  Bell was appointed to the magistrate position by Gov. Mark Sanford.

Bell graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2007.

Since graduation, he has been working with the Fourth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s office focusing on criminal domestic violence cases.

The new judge-magistrate is also a 2003 graduate of Morehouse College of Atlanta, Ga. where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics with Magna Cum Laude honors. He was also a member of the 1999 graduating class of the Darlington County Mayo Magnet School for Mathematics, Science and Technology.

“I am very blessed to have received this appointment as judge-magistrate. This position gives me the opportunity to use my education and skills to give back to the community that helped to raise me,” said Bell. “It has been a dream and goal of mine since starting law school to return and serve the people of Darlington County.”

Commenting on this appointment, Sen. Malloy said, “It is exciting to have the opportunity to recommend someone of Monty’s exceptional educational background, enthusiasm and perspective on our community to serve in this important judicial position. We are hoping to continue finding ways to increase the number of younger people getting involved in all areas of helping to improve the communities of District 29.”

Bell, the son of Mrs. Gloria Bell of Hartsville and the late Glenn Bell, has been residing in Hartsville since his graduation from law school.

Bell is an active member of the Agape Fellowship AME Church in McBee.