Crime

CCSO releases statement concerning arrest of former Deputy

Former Deputy faces charges of Sexual Conduct with a minor under the age of 16, among others

Posted

From the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office:

On February 17, 2022, I received information regarding allegations of misconduct by former Clarendon County Sheriff's Office Deputy, Antonio Pearson. I immediately terminated Mr. Pearson's employment and asked the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to conduct an investigation. That investigation led to the issuance of several warrants for Mr. Pearson's arrest for: 

  • Misconduct in Office
  • Disseminating Obscene Material to a person under the age of 18
  • Criminal Sexual Conduct with a minor under the age of 16, 2nd degree
  • Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 1st Degree

Mr. Pearson was arrested on Thursday, August 18, 2022. As with anyone accused of committing any crime, Mr. Pearson has the opportunity to present his case to a jury of his peers - or he may wish to enter some form plea agreement with prosecutors related to any of the charges filed against him. His case will be prosecuted by S.C. Third Circuit Solicitor Ernest A. Finney, III.

I want to assure the citizens of Clarendon County that I, as your Sheriff, will not tolerate this type of behavior by my deputies. I am undertaking all steps to ensure this conduct does not happen at the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office - now or in the future. I, and the citizens of Clarendon County, hold our deputies to the highest standards. I want everyone to know that I hold my deputies accountable for any misdeeds.