When a South Carolina couple experiences marital trouble, a range of actions and consequences can result. Many will be unable to work through their difficulties and will move forward with a divorce. Prior to that process, however, some spouses may make a claim of domestic violence in an attempt to better their position in upcoming divorce or child custody proceedings.
Domestic violence is an abhorrent crime, and one that law enforcement and the courts take very seriously. However, when the media reports a charge or claim of domestic violence, it is important to remember that the individual accused of the act is innocent unless and until proven guilty. Unfortunately, many who are accused of this crime are subject to punitive measures even before facing a court. That appears to be the case for one South Carolina police officer who has been fired from his position on the heels of a domestic violence charge.
The 42-year-old police officer has held his position in Horry County since 1999. As of the time of this report, there is no information available as to the reason for his dismissal, although the decision comes after charges of criminal domestic violence and misconduct in office were filed against him. His wife claims that her husband choked her, and that at one point, he stopped her vehicle and drew his weapon while on duty and driving his patrol car.
As this case makes its way to court, additional details may become available. In many South Carolina domestic violence cases, charges are dropped or dismissed when investigators discover new evidence or discrepancies in the claims of the alleged victim. Unfortunately, by the time that charges are dismissed or the accused is found not guilty in a court of law, the damage may have already been done. In this case, there is no indication whether the police officer would be able to return to his position if these charges are proven to be false.
Source: Rock Hill Herald Online, "Horry County police officer fired after complaint," Dec. 4, 2012
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