SLED Charges Former Sheriff’s Deputy with First Degree Harassment
Ex-deputy faces multiple allegations, including misconduct in office
SOUTH CAROLINA
Following a comprehensive investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), former sheriff’s deputy Lorna Shay Elders, age 37, has been charged with several counts of serious offences. These include first-degrees harassment, improper examination of private records by a public official, and misconduct in office. The revelations came following Elders’ booking at two separate county detention centers.
Details of the Charges
Elders was initially charged on Monday, April 15, 2024, with harassment in the first degree, improper examination of private records by a public official, and misconduct in office. On April 16, 2024, she was hit with a second count of improper examination of private records by a public official and an additional count of misconduct in office.
Soon after these allegations arose, Elders was taken into custody and held at the Lexington County Detention Center. The following day, she was transferred and booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center that lies in Richland County.
The Case to Be Prosecuted by Attorney General’s Office
In a statement from the SLED, it is confirmed that the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office will be prosecuting the case.
This marks a significant development in a case involving a public servant entrusted with upholding the law. While public officials must be held to a higher standard due to the power vested in them, the allegations against Elders point towards substantial abuse of such power.
The specifics of the charges levied against Elders are yet to be disclosed comprehensively. However, first-degree harassment, one of the serious charges in question, involves substantial emotional distress caused by a course of conduct that serves no legitimate purpose.
The charges of improper examination of private records by a public official indicate Elders has been allegedly involved in abuse of her power to access and potentially misuse confidential information.
Implications and Repercussions
The case holds potentially serious implications, not only for Elders but also for the trust citizens place in their law enforcement agencies. Accusations of misconduct against serving or former public officials often leave a lasting impact on public trust. A transparent, unbiased, and effective prosecution of the case is crucial to demonstrate that above all, the rule of law is supreme, and no one is above its jurisdiction.
For now, Elders awaits the legal proceedings while detained at the detention center. As the case proceeds, more details around the extent and nature of her alleged misconduct are expected to be revealed.
The upcoming court trial will determine whether Elders is guilty of the charges as accused. If convicted, she faces potential imprisonment, fines, or both, depending on the seriousness of the crimes.
This case serves as a stern reminder of the scrutiny public officials are under and the consequences of any deviation from adherence to the law. While Elders’ case continues, the public and indeed law enforcement agencies across South Carolina will be waiting for the full story to unfold.
Written by: HERE News
