A.G. Will Not Prosecute Newberry Deputy Accused of Assaulting Step-Son

The South Carolina Office of the Attorney General has declined to prosecute a Newberry County Deputy Sheriff for an alleged altercation with his step-son.

Sergeant Ezra Arnold was originally placed on paid administrative leave by the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office after it was alleged he assaulted his step-son during a dispute on April 27th at his residence in Whitmire.  Arnold was later placed on administrative duties as a Court House Security Officer pending the completion of the investigation.

The incident was originally reported to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, who notified the Whitmire Police Department since the incident occurred in their jurisdiction after the incident was reported by the paternal step-grandmother. 

The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office requested that SLED (State Law Enforcement Division) conduct the investigation since Arnold was a law enforcement officer and had a close personal relationship with many of the Whitmire officers.  Whitmire Police Chief Jeremiah Sinclair then made the request for SLED to conduct the investigation.

SLED conducted the investigation and forwarded their results to the Eighth Circuit Solicitor Jerry Peace.  Solicitor Peace determined that because of his relationship with the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office that it would be best to have the case reviewed by Attorney General Henry McMaster’s office instead of by his office.

In a letter dated June 10, 2009, from Assistant Attorney General Catherine Vann declining prosecution, the office listed inconsistent witness statements; the 13 hour delay in reporting or seeking medical attention during which time the 13 year old boy attended school and engaged is sporting activities; the boy reported to his teachers and they declined to act; and “many discrepancies” regarding the actual event as reasons for declining prosecution.  The letter also noted that the alleged victim is living in Hawaii with the biological father.

Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster said that now that the investigation and prosecutorial review are complete,  Arnold will be returned to active duty where he serves as a Sergeant in the Patrol Division.  He has been with the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office since August of 1999.