New Clerk of Court takes her position in Spartanburg

(as reported by Matt Long)
Spartanburg County is in its first week with a new Clerk of Court. The new clerk hopes to clean up an office racked by scandal. 
Hope Blackley brings years of legal experience to her new job. The former crime victims advocate was appointed to the position Friday as a replacement for former Clerk Marcus Kitchens who faces drug charges.
Blackley says she hopes to restore confidence in an office riddled with corruption, smeared in the public’s eyes after authorities accused Kitchens of stealing drugs from the County Courthouse’s evidence room and attempting to sell them. He was indicted last month.
Blackley was Governor Mark Sanford’s crime victims ombudsman for the past four years. Sanford says he based his decision to hire Blackley on her experience at the state level.  Blackley is believed to be the first black woman to hold the office.