Shocking Allegations Against Local Police Officer in Bluffton
Bluffton, a town often known for its friendly vibe and close-knit community, is currently grappling with some unsettling news. A credentialed police officer from the Beaufort County area, Harvey Makenzie Bethea, has been taken into custody on serious felony charges stemming from a disturbing investigation overseen by state police. The charges suggest that Bethea, who is 35 years old, allegedly tried to solicit sexual favors from a teenager.
Details of the Case
According to police records, Bethea was arrested early Wednesday morning after a thorough investigation revealed he had been communicating inappropriately with a 16-year-old girl. The specific charge against him is known as criminal solicitation of a minor, which is defined legally as an adult attempting to persuade, entice, or coerce a minor into engaging in sexual activity. This is not just a minor offense; the charge could land Bethea in prison for a maximum of 10 years.
The unfolding story indicates that between March 13 and March 20, 2024, Bethea had been employing the young girl at his home, although the exact nature of her job remains unclear as those details were redacted in the documents. However, what’s shocking is that during this period, Bethea reportedly asked her what she would do in exchange for a puppy. When the girl expressed interest in buying a dog, Bethea crossed a serious line by explicitly asking for sexual acts in return.
Escalating Concerns
Worryingly, these kinds of propositions continued over several days. But on March 21, the victim decided enough was enough and stopped working for Bethea. She then bravely reported the incidents to the authorities. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, or SLED, took action and obtained an arrest warrant for Bethea by September 30.
Bethea’s Career in Law Enforcement
It’s shocking to think that such accusations are linked to someone who has worked in law enforcement. Bethea began his career at the University of South Carolina Beaufort Police Department in October 2021 and resigned just a few months ago, on February 26. A spokesperson for the university, Carol Weir, has not given specific comments on the reasons behind his resignation.
Interestingly, Bethea had a checkered past, with records indicating he was a “student” at the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office from October 2017 through April 2018. However, he never completed officer training during this period and was not officially recognized as an officer.
Internal Investigation Findings
Before his recent arrest, Bethea’s resignation came less than a week after an internal investigation was initiated by the university’s police department. This probe looked into a separate incident involving a complaint by a female student who raised concerns about Bethea’s conduct during a traffic stop on January 22. The findings were alarming: police discovered evidence of 14 violations of law and policy relating to Bethea’s behavior.
Amongst these violations, one incident captured attention where he allegedly activated his emergency blue lights and drove through a red light, making a U-turn on a busy road.
Next Steps for Bethea
Upon his booking, Bethea was released from the Beaufort County jail just under two hours later after posting a $10,000 personal recognizance bond. This means he did not have to pay any money immediately but is required to appear for future court dates.
As this unsettling situation develops, the Bluffton community is left to ponder the implications and consequences of such actions by someone who once wore the uniform meant to protect and serve. The situation serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced in policing and the vital need for accountability.
