Patriot Services Group Responds to City of Charleston Criminal Citations

Patriot Services Group and Integrity Rise Management today responded to the City of Charleston’s decision to pursue criminal citations related to conditions at certain downtown properties.

“These are serious matters, and we take them seriously,” said Christopher Walker, Principal. “But it is important to be clear, the conditions cited by the City did not arise from neglect. They are the result of repeated unauthorized entry, vandalism, and direct tampering with building systems, often involving repeat offenders, issues we have consistently identified, addressed, and documented.”

While certain legacy system upgrades have been completed over the past year and in recent months, the issues underlying the City’s current citations stem from repeated unauthorized entry and tampering occurring after those upgrades were made.

Over the past 16 months, Patriot Services Group and its affiliated ownership have invested more than $1.3 million into downtown Charleston properties, including fire and life safety systems, security personnel and infrastructure, lighting improvements, repairs, and ongoing maintenance. At the Belvedere property alone, more than $500,000 has been spent on safety, security, and operational upgrades.

The company reports that multiple incidents involved individuals forcibly entering buildings and damaging critical systems. In each instance, management implemented required fire watch protocols, engaged licensed vendors, completed repairs, and restored systems as quickly as possible. In several cases, repairs were followed by renewed damage caused by unauthorized re-entry.

“We have acted every time an issue arose, engaging local, licensed vendors and completing repairs,” Walker said. “We have not ignored these issues. We have been repeatedly dealing with them.”

To address ongoing challenges, the company has:

-Engaged private security and off-duty Charleston police officers for on-site coverage

-Installed and upgraded fire suppression and life safety systems

-Conducted approximately 40 eviction proceedings tied to lease violations and safety concerns

-Added dedicated personnel focused on downtown operations and security

-Engaged an ingress/egress security company to address and implement additional measures

Patriot Services Group maintains that it has consistently sought to work with City officials on these issues and remains open to direct, ongoing coordination.

“Last year, we offered to meet regularly with City leadership to review conditions, share documentation, and develop practical solutions,” Walker said. “That offer remains open. We believe these challenges require coordination, not escalation.”

The company maintains photographic and video documentation of unauthorized entry, system tampering, and resulting damage, and is prepared to share that material with appropriate parties.

“We are invested in these properties and in this community,” Walker added. “We are grateful for our local staff who deal with repeated vandalism while working every day to support these buildings. We will continue doing the work required to maintain them while addressing these matters through the proper process.”

About Patriot Services Group

Patriot Services Group is a “Housing First” non-profit that provides clean, safe, and affordable permanent housing in communities throughout the country, focused on America’s “At-Risk” veterans. Veterans still make up 50% of the people we serve, but Patriot Services Group now also provides homes and services to others in need, including survivors of domestic violence and chronically homeless.