SLED Assists Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office in Arrest of Former Deputy for Domestic Violence

In South Carolina, a former sheriff’s deputy has been arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, with charges filed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. James Patrick Florida III, 33, of Edgefield, was charged with second-degree domestic violence on Friday, as per the agency.

The arrest warrant alleges that on July 22 of last year, Florida caused physical harm to someone, including bruises to the victim’s face and body, with the additional incident of a cellphone being broken. SLED states that Florida was serving as a deputy during the time of the offense, according to the arrest warrant.

Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office contacted SLED for assistance with the investigation, resulting in Florida’s arrest and booking at the Edgefield County Detention Center.

The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office will be responsible for prosecuting the case.

Domestic violence has significant physical and emotional impacts on victims. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women and one in nine men experience severe intimate partner physical violence. Furthermore, domestic violence often involves patterns of behavior, such as threats and isolation, that increase over time and become more severe.

The consequences of domestic violence can last long after the abuse has ended, with many victims experiencing lasting trauma, mental health problems, and difficulty with future relationships. The prevalence of domestic violence is a serious issue, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

Domestic violence incidents involving law enforcement officials are particularly concerning, as they are held to a higher standard of conduct and have greater access to resources and authority. As such, allegations of domestic violence against law enforcement officers should be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.

SLED’s involvement in this case highlights the importance of agencies working together to hold accountable individuals who engage in domestic violence. It also underscores the need for individuals who experience or witness domestic violence to report it to the appropriate authorities.

Domestic violence is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach to address, including increasing public awareness, providing support for victims, and holding abusers accountable for their actions. As a society, we must prioritize the safety and well-being of those who experience domestic violence, and work towards preventing such incidents from occurring in the first place.