"We never denied owing people money," Atlantic Beach Mayor Retha Pierce says as she the only person called to answer contempt charges against the town in the Horry County Courthouse on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013. Judge Larry Hyman called Pierce's testimony "not credible" and found the town in contempt. The charges stem from the town missing two monthly payments to a trust account set up for councilwoman Carolyn Cole and Tyson Beach Group. Cole was awarded a settlement from her 2003 town manager contract and Tyson was awarded a settlement for repayment of a $190,000 loan. The town is to make monthly payments of $7,763.20 for 48 months to the trust account. Photo by Janet Blackmon Morgan / jblackmon@thesunnews.com JANET BLACKMON MORGAN — jblackmon@thesunnews.com Buy Photo