Dram Shop Injury Attorney in Darlington, SC

Darlington County, South Carolina – Deputies are warning residents after a phone scam impersonating the sheriff’s office prompted a response in the Hartsville area.

According to the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called Tuesday to Howell Lane after a resident reported being contacted by phone by someone posing as a Darlington County deputy. The caller allegedly told the victim they had outstanding warrants for writing bad checks and demanded payment to avoid arrest.

Investigators said the suspect instructed the victim to purchase $2,500 in Lowe’s gift cards and provide the card information over the phone so the supposed “debt” could be paid off. Deputies later confirmed the call was a scam and not associated with the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff’s office emphasized that it will never request payment, gift cards, or money transfers to resolve warrants or prevent jail time. Officials said scammers often rely on fear and urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly before verifying the call.

Authorities also warned that scammers can spoof phone numbers to make it appear as if calls are coming from legitimate law enforcement agencies, including the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office.

Residents who receive calls demanding immediate payment while claiming to be law enforcement are advised to hang up and not provide any personal or financial information. Anyone uncertain about a call’s legitimacy should contact the sheriff’s office directly using an official, publicly listed phone number.

No arrests have been announced, and the incident remains under investigation.

The sheriff’s office encouraged residents to share the warning with family members, particularly older adults and young workers who may be unfamiliar with common scam tactics.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by a similar scam is urged to report it to local law enforcement.

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A former employee is accused of exploiting a vulnerable adult resident at an independent living facility in Darlington County.

DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. — A former independent living facility employee has been arrested and charged in connection with the alleged exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

According to the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, the Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit arrested Shelby N. Campbell, 36, of Darlington. Campbell faces one count of exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

Campbell was booked into the Darlington County Detention Center on Jan. 14, 2026.

Investigators say the Attorney General’s Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit concluded that between Aug. 17, 2024, and Aug. 20, 2024, Campbell knowingly and willfully exploited a vulnerable adult by making unauthorized use of the individual’s funds for her own benefit or profit.

According to investigators, Campbell was a former employee at an independent living facility in Darlington County where the victim lived. Authorities allege she illegally obtained the victim’s bank card information and linked it to her personal Cash App and PayPal accounts, then initiated unauthorized electronic transfers of the victim’s money.

At the time of the alleged offenses, the victim was a vulnerable adult as defined under South Carolina law and was a resident of Bethea Baptist Retirement Community and Health Care.

The facility reported the suspected misconduct to the Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit and cooperated fully throughout the investigation. The case will be prosecuted by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office.

Under South Carolina law, exploitation of a vulnerable adult is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

**CORRECTION: A former version of this story identified the facility as an assisted living facility, not an independent living facility.

DARLINGTON, S.C. (WPDE) — The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is naming a major intersection in Darlington following a resolution by the South Carolina General Assembly.

The intersection of Highways 340 and I-20 in County is being officially named “Governor David M. Beasley Intersection”.

The role naming ceremony Will Take Pl., Friday afternoon, and that’s when appropriate markers or signs will be erected at the location containing the designation.

According to the National Governors Association, Beasley served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1979 to 1992–as Majority Whip from 1985 to 1986, Majority Leader from 1987 to 1988, and Speaker Pro Tempore from 1991 to 1992.

His gubernatorial administration “focused on economic development, welfare reform, crime, prison reform, and education. Pro-business initiatives, including the Enterprise Zone Act of 1995, resulted in more than $11 billion in capital investments and the addition of 50,000 jobs in South Carolina.”

The resolution reads:

Whereas, a native of Lamar, former Governor David M. Beasley earned his bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of South Carolina; and

Whereas, Governor Beasley entered public service when, at age twentyone, he was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives. During his years of service at the State House, he became chair of key committees, House Majority Leader, and Speaker Pro Tempore; and

Whereas, in 1994, he was elected Governor of South Carolina, becoming one of the youngest governors in State history. Governor Beasley initiated an aggressive reform agenda, focused on education improvement, tax cuts, welfare reform, economic development, infrastructure development, criminal justice reform, and promoting timeless values of equality and freedom. His four years in office made history as some of South Carolina’s most successful years in economic development; and

Whereas, under Governor Beasley’s leadership, South Carolina created an education accountability system to standardize and improve the education of the State’s students. South Carolina also became the first state in the nation to connect every school to the internet; and

Whereas, Governor Beasley continued to serve the State, nation, and worldwide community even after leaving office. In 1999, he was a fellow at the Institute of Politics at Harvard. In 2003, he received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for his courage and political sacrifice in working to remove the Confederate Battle Flag from the State Capital in Columbia; and

Whereas, seeking to make peace around the globe, Governor Beasley visited over visited over seventyfive wartorn countries and invited many of their leaders back to his family farm in Society Hill. In 2017, upon the nomination of American presidents from both parties, he became Executive Director of the U.N. World Food Programme. During his tenure, he raised funding levels from six billion dollars a year to over fourteen billion dollars a year, enabling the organization to feed one hundred sixty million people. In 2020, WFP received the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to combat hunger and conflict around the world and make peace. Governor Beasley gave the Nobel lecture in Oslo on behalf of the organization; and

Whereas, it would be only fitting and proper to pay tribute to this son of South Carolina by naming a portion of road in the State in his honor. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, request that the Department of Transportation name the intersection of SC 340 and I20 in Darlington County “Governor David M. Beasley” and erect appropriate markers or signs at this location containing the designation.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation and presented to former Governor David M. Beasley.

Darlington County, SC – A Christmas Day traffic stop in the Hartsville area led to a drug trafficking arrest after deputies reportedly discovered more than 14 grams of methamphetamine during a vehicle search.

According to the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were patrolling the area of South Marquis Highway on Thursday, December 25, when an officer observed a vehicle with a defective taillight. Deputies initiated a lawful traffic stop and later obtained consent to search the vehicle.

During the search, deputies reportedly recovered approximately 14.7 grams of methamphetamine, an amount that exceeds South Carolina’s threshold for a trafficking-level charge.

As a result of the investigation, Donna Nutter was arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine or cocaine base, involving 10 grams or more but less than 28 grams, first offense. According to court records, a Darlington County magistrate issued a cash or surety bond of $25,000.

Sheriff Michael August stated the information was being released as part of an ongoing investigation. Authorities did not indicate whether additional charges or arrests may follow.

The traffic stop occurred in the Hartsville area of Darlington County, which is located northeast of Florence and within the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. South Marquis Highway is a frequently traveled route connecting residential and commercial areas.

No further details were released regarding the origin of the narcotics or whether the stop was connected to a broader investigation. Deputies emphasized that the case remains active, and additional information will be provided if it becomes available.

Anyone with information related to drug activity in the area is encouraged to contact the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office

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The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy returns to Darlington for a haunting sequel that delves even deeper into the macabre. This time, the Poe Historians bring four new tales from Poe’s dark imagination to life, each paired with a fresh selection of classic cocktails. Highlights Step into the world of Edgar Allan Poe in this 4-part chilling cocktail experience Sip on delicious themed cocktails, each expertly crafted and paired with each tale Hear Edgar Allan Poe’s work reimagined, as told by the Poe Historians No need to have seen the original Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy to enjoy the thrilling Chapter Two! General Info Dates and times: select your date & time directly in the ticket selector Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes Location: The Grand Old Post Office Age requirement: 21+ with valid ID Accessibility: the venue is ADA compliant Please consult the FAQs of this experience here Description After the mesmerizing success of the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy , the doors have opened once more, inviting you to step deeper into the shadows of Poe’s most harrowing tales. Step into a night of literary horror as you explore the dark worlds of Edgar Allan Poe once more. Prepare for an immersive experience that will transport you into the chilling tales of The Cask of Amontillado, Annabel Lee, The Pit and the Pendulum, and The Fall of the House of Usher, each brought to life with eerie detail. As you delve into these chilling tales, savor four expertly crafted cocktails, each paired to enhance the haunting atmosphere of the story it accompanies. With every sip, feel the spine-tingling essence of Poe’s masterpieces seep into your soul. A night of gothic elegance and macabre delight awaits those brave enough to attend. Experience an even more chilling night of storytelling and spirits in this next chapter of the Speakeasy series in Darlington! Reviews Claire T. “This was a great atmospheric, intimate event. We had a great time.” Phona B. “Oh my goodness! The monologues and venue were WOW! The performers were top notch. The drinks were amazing too. So glad we came.” Vanessa M. “Fun performances and tasty cocktails! What a unique and memorable way to spend a couple hours!”