LCSO has made the following statement about church vandalism arrests:
“The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports of church burglaries occurring on May 26th and May 27th. Subjects vandalized and destroyed property, broke windows, stole items and/or damaged doors at the following churches:
-Reedy Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church
-Cedar Grove Baptist Church
-Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church
-New Prospect Baptist Church
“The subjects were identified as Jesse James Hawkins of Gray Court and Sierra Lynn Smith of Laurens. They were charged as follows:
“Jesse James Hawkins (arrested 5/29)- Three counts of Burglary 2nd, four counts of Malicious Injury to Place of Worship, Larceny, and Arson.
“Sierra Lynn Smith (arrested 5/28)- Three counts of Burglary 2nd, four counts of Malicious Injury to Place of Worship, Larceny, and Arson.
“‘We are very thankful to have these twisted individuals charged in a timely manner with the terrible crimes committed. They’ve already stood before one judge. The fact is, they will stand before the ultimate Judge one day. I surely commend the work of the Deputies involved in these arrests.’ – Sheriff Don Reynolds
“This is still an active investigation and more charges are possible. If you have any information, contact us at 864-984-4967, report anonymously to CrimeStoppers (864-68-CRIME or p3tips.com) or visit our website www.laurenscountysheriff.org/tips”
Other reports on WLBG-Radio website, from official sources:
Two Greenville Men Accused Of Conspiracy And Attempted Burglary
Thursday, June 8, 2023
The Clinton Police Department recently arrested Two Greenville Men for Conspiracy to Commit Burglary and Attempted Burglary First Degree. 56-year-old, Soctt Wayne Smith Of Tray Drive and 36-year-old Philip Brandon Lowman of Lebar Court were arrested Tuesday, June 6th for the alleged charges. According to their arrest warrant reports. Smith and Lowman allegedly did conspire to commit the offense of burglary.
The two attempted to enter the dwelling without consent and the intent to commit a crime, with the attempting entering taking place during the night time hours. This allegedly occurred on Lewis Street in the city limits of Clinton. Scott Wayne Smith and Phillip Brandon Lowman both remain behind bars this morning at the Laurens County Johnson Detention Center. Both of their cash or surety bond is $40,000 each.
No Bond For Clinton Man Accused Of Domestic Violence Weapons Unlawful
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
A Clinton Man is behind bars with No Bond For Domestic Violence of a high and aggravated nature And Weapons Unlawful for person convicted of DV 1st degree. 49-year-old, Ronnie Allen Cantrell, Sr of Charlottes Road, was arrested June 1st for the alleged charges. Ronnie Cantrell Sr allegedly fired a single shot from a handgun during an argument with the victim. He allegedly had in his possession a 9mm handgun and ammunition during the domestic violence incident. He does have prior conviction of Domestic Violence is not legally allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition. This incident allegedly occurred May 31st 2023.
Cross Hill Woman Accused Of Breach Of Peace And Possession Of Meth
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Deputies with the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office recently arrested a Cross Hill woman For Possession of less than one gram of meth and Breach of Peace, non aggravated in nature. Authorities arrested 52-year-old, Vera Krasci Eddy, of Connie Turner Road, for the alleged charges. According to her arrest warrant report, June 1, Eddy was allegedly disturbing the peace of the community surrounding Amber Hill Circle in Cross Hill by entering a residence without permission, entering various properties without permission, yelling obscenities, and being confrontational with residents in the area. Deputies found her to be in possession of a clear plastic bag containing a white crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine. This offense occurred on Watts Bridge Road in Cross Hill. Vera Eddy has since been released from the Laurens County Detention Center on a personal recognizance bond.
Clinton Man Accused Of Discharging A Firearm In City Limits
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
The Clinton Police Department arrested a Clinton Man over the weekend for allegedly Discharging a Firearm in the City Limits. 23-year-old, Devan Gage Levister, of Bypass 127, was arrested for the alleged charge. According to his arrest warrant report, he allegedly discharged a 22 caliber rifle on Beauregard Street. Devan Levister was released from the Detention Center Sunday on a personal recognizance bond.
Clinton Woman Arrested For Breach Of Trust
Monday, June 5, 2023
The Clinton Police Department recently arrested a Clinton woman for a Breach of Trust More than $2,000 less than $10,000. 44-year-old, Rachel Michelle Garcia, of South Livingston Street, Was arrested for the alleged charge. According to the arrest warrant report From March 31st to April 11th, Garcia allegedly operated the victim’s vehicle and did not return upon request. This offense allegedly took place on South Livingston street. Rachel Garcia has since been released from the Detention Center.
Petit Larceny Enhancement And Possession Of Meth Alleged For Clinton Man
Friday, June 2, 2023
The Clinton Police Department arrested a Clinton man accused Of Petit Larceny Enhancement and Possession of Meth, 1st Offense. 28-year-old, Tony Ray Sherfield, Jr, of Peachtree Street, was arrested Tuesday for the alleged charges. According to his arrest warrant report on May 30, Sherfield allegedly took a lead acid battery that belonged to victim with the intent to deprive the owner of that item. The incident allegedly occurred on Highway 76 East. Sherfield has previous property crime convictions. Sherfield also allegedly had in his possession less than one gram of methamphetamine. His $12,000 cash or surety bond was paid and he was released from the Detention Center on Wednesday.
Clinton Man Accused Of Jumping On Windshield Of A Vehicle
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
The Clinton Police Department arrested a Clinton man for Domestic Violence Second Degree. 38-year-old, Carlton Blake Carter, of West Maple Street ,was arrested over the weekend for the alleged charge. According to the arrest warrant report on May 26, Carter is accused of walking and jumping on the front windshield of the vehicle that the victim was sitting inside. This offense allegedly occurred in the direct presence of minor children on West Maple Street. Carlton Carter was released from Jail May 27th on a personal recognizance bond.
