Laurens County Detention Center staff continued the booking process overnight for subjects arrested on drug charges. These include six charges on 30-year-old John Bailey Copeland of 113 Milling Street, Clinton. Clinton Public Safety has charged him with three counts, Distribution of Crack Cocaine and three counts, Distribution within Proximity of a Public Park.

In warrants, Sgt. Shane Prather states that Copeland sold a quantity of crack cocaine to a confidential informant working in an undercover capacity. He states one sale was made February 27th on Third Street, within a half mile of a public park on North Bell Street. Another crack cocaine sale to a confidential informant allegedly occurred April 19th at 122 Pine Street, within a half mile of another public park. Those warrants cite investigations by Detective Prather and Goggins.

Sgt. Prather also states that on May 30th Copeland sold a quantity of crack cocaine to a confidential informant working undercover on South Livingston Street in Clinton, within a half mile of a park. This was reportedly investigated by Detective Prather and Sgt. Metz.

During arraignment yesterday, bond was denied on all six charges. John Bailey Copeland remains in the Laurens County Detention Center.

The post Three Undercover Drug Deals appeared first on WLBG.

Cake & Ice cream were served, and a song was sung prior to last night’s called District 56 School Board meeting. The song was “Happy Birthday,” and it was sung for Superintendent Dr. David O’Shields, in celebration of his 60th birthday, which is today. Our reporter at the meeting reports that the singing wasn’t all… Read More »

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For the fifth consecutive year, the budget for Laurens County School District 56 is balanced with no increase in the property tax millage rate. That was how Finance Director Susan Flanagan introduced the budget she proposed for the 2018/2019 year at last evening’s called meeting of the District 56 Board of Trustees.  The last milleage hike for District 56 came in the 2013/2014 fiscal year.

Last evening’s meeting was necessitated when the state legislature did not have its budget finalized before the new fiscal year began. The District 56 school board was reluctant to finalize a budget without knowing what the state’s participation would be.  Instead, they passed a proposed budget on first reading and waited for the state budget process to be complete.

The budget Ms. Flanagan presented to the board last evening totals $25,381,496, a 3.257% increase over last year’s budget of $25,175,586.  The increase was made possible by an increase in the base student cost approved by the state budget. This increases the state funding per student from $2,350 to $2,425 per student.

Other highlights of the just-approved School District 56 budget include:

• Funding of $57,212 for a School Resource Officer for Joanna-Woodson Elementary School to be provided by the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office.
• $75,000 to subsidize the cost of the after-school program in District 56.
• Expanding the LEAD Teacher program, providing 13 teachers district wide who will coach other teachers. Each will receive a supplement of $2,000 per year.

After Ms. Flanagan’s presentation there was little discussion before the board voted unanimously to approve the budget as presented.

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After several days of rumor and speculation, WLBG can confirm that Chief Deputy Jarvis Reeder is no longer employed by the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office.  Sheriff Don Reynolds told WLBG that this was simply a personnel decision and had no further comment.

Sheriff Reynolds also informed us that he has no plans at this time to fill the Chief Deputy position.  He told us that he has full confidence in the deputies and staff of the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office.  “That’s who does the real work for the people of the county.” he said “That was true with a Chief Deputy.  I’m quite sure it’ll be true now.”

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Another attempt at having a bond was made today on behalf of 39-year-old Khelsy Chanta Rice of Clinton. She’s facing multiple charges following a two-fatality head-on crash on US 76 east of Clinton on Saturday night, May 19th. In second courtroom at Hillcrest Square during General Sessions Court today, a second bond hearing was held for Ms. Rice. She has been charged with two counts of Felony DUI resulting in Death and three counts of Felony DUI resulting in Great Bodily Injury. She is also charged with Child Endangerment.

On hand for the bond hearing were approximately 20 supporters for a victim who survived the crash along with family members of the deceased. They urged Judge Burch not to allow Ms. Rice to be released on bond.

Ms. Rice entered the courtroom at 11:30 this morning in tears, accompanied by her attorney, Tristin Shaeffer. The prosecution is being led by Assistant Solicitor Warren Mowry.

Trooper Strickland of the Highway Patrol presented facts about the fatal case at yesterday’s bond hearing. He stated that Ms. Rice’s vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and struck another vehicle head-on. Strickland testified that an almost empty bottle of Budweiser Beer was in her car. The Prosecution added new information, stating that methamphetamine was found in Ms. Rice’s system, along with signs of more than one injection. The prosecution stated it isn’t possible to determine if she was on the high or low of a meth injection.

Family members of Ms. Lois King and Ms. Margie Seymore, who were killed in the wreck, testified on how much their families have suffered. Also testifying today was Ms. Norma Smith, who was a rear-seat passenger in the car and was able to survive her injuries. Smith said that she does not hate Ms. Rice, but that she totally destroyed three families. Smith, who suffered five broken ribs, said, “I pray for Rice and her children, but she racked my body with pain, and whenever you have a pain think of me and my injuries. Even though my bones have healed, my heart never will,”

Judge Burch said to the court, “Bond hearings are not a trial on the facts. That is up to a jury under due process. The concern here is about danger to the public or herself. I am dealing with a lot of Christian people, I will tell you all that the best thing you can do in this situation is to read the book of Matthew.” He indicated that bond will continue to be denied at this point, but perhaps reviewed in 120 days. He suggested the Administrative Judge of the District be contacted to seek a trial, hopefully within the next few months.

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On Monday, Laurens Police arrested 54-year-old Rodney Lee Bragg, who was booked with an address on Sherwood Drive, Woodruff and served with warrants charging him with Assault and Battery and with Petty Larceny. The warrant list his address as on Bobcat Drive, Laurens. In the warrants, Laurens Police Sgt. Alexander states that on June 30th Bragg took a victim’s cell phone without her permission and that he also struck the victim on her face and body, causing bruising and swelling. Rodney Lee Bragg was released yesterday on cash or surety bonds totaling $1,500.

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State Probation yesterday arrested 38-year-old Aaron Travis Mauldin of 216 Morning Circle, Spartanburg and charged him with Violation of Probation. The probation warrant cites probable cause that the subject violated law by committing a 1st Degree Domestic Violence, as evidence by a Laurens Police report on March 22nd of this year. Mauldin also allegedly failed to follow advice and consent of his supervising agent.

Aaron Travis Mauldin was held overnight in the Laurens County Detention Center, awaiting a bond hearing.

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A local woman is facing charges from the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and from State Probation and Parole. 29-year-old Jerilyn Rowe of 502 Conway Avenue, Laurens was first charged with Violation of Probation.

She is accused of failing to report and of changing residence without consent of her agent. Other allegations of the warrant included failing to maintain lawful employment and failure to make required payments, along with failure to follow advice and instructions of her agent.

In a Sheriff’s Office warrant charging Unlawful Neglect of Children, Investigator Hunnicutt states that o January 12th Ms. Rowe placed a minor child at unreasonable risk of harm, or caused harm or abandonment, and that she is the child’s parent or guardian.

A $75,000 bond was set on the Violation of Parole warrant. Overnight, Ms. Rowe was waiting on a bond hearing for the Unlawful Neglect charge.

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An undercover drug sale on March 13th of this year was alleged in warrants served yesterday by Clinton Public Safety. 58-year-old Stanley Donnell Wimphrie of 119 North Livingston Street, Clinton is charged with 2nd Offense Distribution of Crack Cocaine and with Distribution within Proximity of a Park. Sgt. Prather stats that Wimphrie sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant, working undercover, on Palmetto Street, which is in proximity to Pine Street Park.

Cash or surety bonds for both charges were set totaling $25,000. Stanley Donnell Wimphrie remained in the Laurens County Detention Center this morning.

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An undercover drug sale earlier this year was alleged with the Monday arrest of 36-year-old Calvin Cunningham of 205 Hunter’s Court, Laurens. Clinton Public Safety charged Cunningham with 2nd Offense Distribution of Crack Cocaine, Conspiracy to Distribute and Distribution in Proximity of a Public Park.

Sgt. Shane Prather states that on March 7th the defendant conspired with another regarding a sale, then sold a quantity of crack cocaine to a confidential informant working undercover. This allegedly occurred at 700 Jefferson Street, Clinton, within a half mile of a Public Park. Calvin Cunningham was released yesterday on posting cash or surety bonds totaling $40,000.

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Clinton Public Safety arrested another person yesterday regarding an alleged undercover drug sale; and added new charges from yesterday. 19-year-old Markevious O’Neal Carter of 306 Florence Street, Clinton is charged with Distribution of Marijuana and Distribution within Proximity of a Public Park from alleged actions on May 24th. Sgt. Prather states Carter sold Marijuana to a confidential informant on South Bell Street that day, within a half mile of Pine Street Park. Carter was also charged with 2nd Offense Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Sgt. Metz states that Carter had in his possession yesterday a large vacuum-sealed bag with 16.88 grams of marijuana, along with a set of digital scales and $125 cash. Metz noted this evidence is prima facia evidence of intent to distribute. This was allegedly discovered at Carter’s Florence Street residence yesterday. Sgt. Metz states that two marijuana grinders and a set of black digital scales were evidence of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

While a $500 PR bond was set on the Paraphernalia charge, Markevious O’Neal Carter remained in custody this morning with $20,000 cash or surety bonds on the other warrants.

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A local man is facing seven drug and firearm charges, following his arrest yesterday. Alleging multiple violations on June 19th, the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office charged 38-year-old Forrest Craig Beck of 154 Bigbee Road, Clinton with 2nd Offense Manufacture of Meth, Unlawful Disposal of Meth Waste, 2nd Offense Distribution of Meth and with Manufacturing Meth in the Presence of a Minor. He is also charged with Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime and with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon or Ammo by a Person Who’s been Convicted of a Violent Crime. Beck is also charged with 2nd Offense Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute.

Sheriff’s Investigator Charles Nations states that on June 19th Beck had items in his possession that are used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine, which was a 2nd offense, and that he also disposed of or assisted in disposal of meth waste that day. In the 2nd offense Distribution of Meth warrant, Officer Nations states that Forrest Beck had in his constructive possession an amount of meth that constitutes intent to distribute, and that he has prior narcotic-related convictions.

Additional warrants state that Beck knowingly had in his constructive possession a Ruger P90 handgun during the commission of manufacturing methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute. Investigator Nations also states that Beck’s possession of a firearm or ammunition is unlawful due to his being convicted of a violent felony. Beck is also accused of having an amount of marijuana on June 19th that constitutes intent to distribute.

Cash or surety bonds were set on the seven charges totaling $324,000. Forrest Craig Beck remained in the Laurens County Detention Center this morning.

The post Multiple Firearm & Drug Violations June 19th appeared first on WLBG.

Trial began yesterday for a Clinton man accused of sexual conduct with a child. In opening statements, the prosecution told the jury that the young victim had been sexually abused since she was six years old. The state contends the abuse was discovered when the child told counselors about it, and they reported it to law enforcement, as is required by law.

31-year-old Michael Eubanks of 431 Old Colony Road, Clinton, is charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Child under Age Eleven.

Among people attending the opening day of trail yesterday were members of “Bikers Against Child Abuse,” who were told to remove their vests before the trial began.

During the state’s opening of their case, the jury was shown a slide presentation which graphically depicted the details of the alleged sexual behavior. Dale Scott, speaking for the Prosecution told the court that the young victim was sexually abused since she was six years old. Scott said this child was robbed of her innocence, but said her courage still remains, and that she was in the courtroom with intention to testify.

The defense, represented by Rauch Wise, told the jury that it is common for sexual charges to be made up, “Which is the case here.” Wise told the jurors of problems in the relationship between the mother of the victim and the defendant and said that Eubanks will testify that these charges are untrue.

The prosecutions’ first witness was the victim’s 16-year-old brother, who talked of the defendant paying more attention to his sister than to him. He told of the defendant touching his sister a lot. He also said that after an argument with his mother, the defendant would rush into his sister’s room.

On cross-examination, the defense asked the brother if the defendant had paid for his braces, had taken him to the race track and fishing. The brother replied yes to each.

The State next called Laurens County Deputy Sheriff Richey, who testified that he was called to the counselor’s office after the victim had told the counselor about the alleged sexual contact.

The trial of Michael Eubanks then recessed for the evening. It was set to continue at 9:00 this morning.

The post Child Sex Abuse Trial Begins appeared first on WLBG.

The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office yesterday arrested 57-year-old Robert Ibra Derrick Jr. of 762 Bal Harbor Drive, Ware Shoals and charged him with 3rd Degree Domestic Violence, alleging an assault Tuesday. A warrant citing an investigation by Deputy Kanipe states that on July 31st Mr. Derrick struck the victim on her leg, causing minor injury. With a cash or surety bond set at $10,000, Robert Derrick Jr. remained in the Laurens County Detention Center this morning.

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1st Degree Domestic Violence was the charge served yesterday from an alleged assault near the shoals on the Saluda River last month. Ware Shoals Police arrested 35-year-old James Paul Lake of 6 Oak Street, Ware Shoals on that charge. In a warrant, Ware Shoals Captain Richey states that on July 15th at Pitt’s Park, Mr. Lake, knowing the victim was pregnant, struck her in the stomach with a big duffle bag, then drove off and left her. Officer Richey states that Lake was out on bond from another 1st Degree Domestic Assault charge, with an order in place that he was to have no contact with the victim.

James Lake was being held overnight, awaiting a bond hearing.

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Two Spartanburg residents were arrested yesterday, following an alleged 1st Degree Burglary of a Cross Hill woman’s home. The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office charged 26-year-old Adam Roy Rollins of 205 Hillside Drive, Spartanburg and 21-year-old Amber Nicole Fowler of 5216 Pogue Street, Spartanburg with 1st Degree Burglary and 2nd Degree Burglary.

Warrants citing an investigation by Deputy Farrah Cook stated that Adam Rollins and Amber Fowler entered a woman’s residence on South Main Street, Cross Hill without consent and with intent to Commit a crime therein. Additional warrants allege that they also entered another building at the same address. A warrant served on Ms. Fowler indicates the burglaries occurred during the night-time, early yesterday morning. Warrants served on Mr. Rollins state that he has a record of two or more convictions for burglary and/or housebreaking.

Adam Rollins and Amber Fowler were being held overnight at the Laurens County Detention Center, awaiting a bond hearing today.

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Laurens City Police yesterday arrested two people on meth charges. 44-year-old Michael Antonio “Tony” Anderson of 305 Stuart Street, Laurens and 17-year-old Tiara Artishua Shunta Hall of 90-B Cedar Street, Clinton were charged with Possession of Less than One Gram of Meth. Warrants cite an investigation of Sgt. Gallo as indicating that a consensual search of a motel room at 621 North Harper Street yesterday found that Mr. Anderson and Ms. Hall were in possession of methamphetamines. Cash or surety bonds for each were set at $5,000. Tony Anderson and Tiara Hall remained in the Laurens County Detention Center this morning.

The post Meth in the Motel appeared first on WLBG.

Clinton Public Safety yesterday continued arrests in their recent warrant sweep, picking up two regarding an undercover operation two years ago.

44-year-old Michael James Kirby of 306 Bailey Street, Clinton was charged with Distribution of a Schedule II Controlled Substance and Distribution within proximity. Sgt. Shane Prather states that on July 26, 2016 Michael Kirby sold a quantity of pills to a confidential informant, within a half-mile of a school or park. Michael Bailey was released on PR bonds totaling $4,000.

20-year-old Tyler James Kirby, also of 306 Bailey Street, Clinton, was charged with Conspiracy. Sgt. Shane Prather states that on the same date in 2016 Tyler conspired regarding the sale of those pills at 306 Bailey Street.

Tyler Kirby was released on a $2,000 PR bond.

The post Two-Year-Old Undercover Deal appeared first on WLBG.

Jim Moore of Laurens has announced his candidacy for the Seat Two on the District 55 School Board.

Moore served two terms as Laurens County Sheriff, then had a career with Homeland Security.

In announcing his desire to serve on the school board, Jim Moore stated, “Professional school administrators will tell you that safety has now become their number one issue, ahead of even education. With nearly forty years of service in the area of public safety and emergency response, I believe that I am uniquely qualified to offer our district the oversight in this most important area that our students and staff deserve.”

Referring to recent work as a consultant to local governments, making recommendations on operating in the most efficient manner, at the least cost to the taxpayer. Moore stated, “I hope to utilize this concept with District 55, resulting in a savings for our citizens.”

Jim Moore, 63, is married to Diane, a retired District 55 teacher. He’s father to Katie Moore Smith, who is a teacher in Greenville and to Tim Moore, who graduated from the University of South Carolina in May.

Voting for the school board takes place November 6th.

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A Laurens man was shot and stabbed before being burned in a car near Myrtle Beach last week. A report from WYFF4 with assistance from WMFB, Myrtle Beach, indicates that the remains of 35-year-old Shawn David Anderson of Laurens and another man were found in a burned car in the Socastee area of the Grand Strand, when construction workers were on their way to a job site on Highway 31. The WYFF4 report indicates that four men have been arrested on Murder charges in connection with the two deaths.

The report at WYFF4.com indicates that warrants and affidavits indicate that a 37-year-old Michael W. Faile has been charged with two counts of murder. 44-year-old David L. Cook of Little River has been charged with two counts of murder, as well as arson and drug charges. 37-year-old William D. Tatum of Myrtle Beach has been charged with two counts of murder in addition to arson and drug charges. 31-year-old Zachary Stell of Myrtle Beach has been charged with two counts of murder.

WYFF reports that based on information in warrants and affidavits, Faile hired Cook and Stell to recover heroin and fentanyl from the victims that he claimed were stolen from him, as well as to dispose of their bodies by burning them and the vehicle.

The warrants say Stell and Cook lured the two victims to an unknown location and shot them multiple times. Stell allegedly gave William Tatum money to buy the gasoline to set the bodies and car on fire. Warrants reportedly indicate that when Tatum returned with the gasoline he saw one of the victims was still alive and saw Cook and Stell stab the victims, numerous times, before setting fire to the victims and the vehicle. Warrants say Tatum was also used as a lookout and to help clean up the crime before the fire was set.

The other fatality from this event was identified as 29-year-old Matthew Autry, who had connections in Myrtle Beach and Rock Hill, according to the Sun News.

Shawn David Anderson has family connections in Laurens and Clinton.

The post Local Man Shot, Stabbed and Burned appeared first on WLBG.