Disabilities agency picks interim chief

COLUMBIA — The agency that provides services to South Carolinians with severe disabilities has named a new chief.

The Department of Disabilities and Special Needs said Thursday that Eugene A. Laurent will serve as the agency's interim director.

Laurent replaces Stan Butkus, who resigned late last month following the release of a legislative audit that said the agency fell short in protecting South Carolina's most vulnerable residents. Criticisms included failure to follow up on safety violations and not doing enough to keep abusers off facility payrolls.

A legislative committee has approved a bill that would put the agency in the governor's Cabinet.

Laurent assumes his duties Tuesday. He previously served as executive director of the state Department of Health and Human Services.