Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott is asking for the public's help in finding a well-known businessman who was last seen Saturday at his Columbia office. Tom Sponseller, 61, is the president and CEO of the SC Hospitality Association.
Sponseller met with co-workers at the association's office, which is just one block from the Statehouse. The last time they saw him was noon. "Tom was reported missing by his wife Saturday afternoon, and this was unusual for Mr. Sponseller not to report back to his family," Chief Scott says.
Friends have set up a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/help.find.tom
Anyone with any information is asked to call CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
Investigators found his car where he normally parks in the garage next to his office. There were no signs of a struggle or anything else that would cause alarm. Police, his family and friends have called his cell phone numerous times without getting an answer. Chief Scott says investigators will go through the necessary steps to see if Sponseller's phone company can narrow down where the phone is.
Sponseller has been the head of the hospitality association for more than 22 years, often lobbying lawmakers on behalf of hotel and motel owners, restaurants and tourism-related businesses.
Friend Marion Edmonds, spokesman for the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, says, "He’s a rather quiet person, but he’s a person who, because of his knowledge and his presence and his involvement and his commitment, is known by everyone in the industry."
Sponseller is a graduate of The Citadel and a former officer in the U.S. Air Force. He and his wife have three adult children.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement