Bluffton Police Officer Charged with Soliciting a Minor
BLUFFTON — In a shocking turn of events, a former police officer from the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USC Beaufort) is now facing serious legal troubles. Harvey Mackenzie Bethea, a 35-year-old resident of Bluffton, has been charged with criminal solicitation of a minor after an alarming series of interactions with a 16-year-old girl came to light.
The charges stem from an incident in March when Bethea allegedly employed the victim for unspecified tasks while he left for work. As the investigations unfold, we learn that Bethea frequently returned to the girl’s home that day, reportedly asking inappropriate questions. According to an affidavit, he inquired about what she would do “in exchange for a puppy,” which quickly escalated to explicit propositions including performing sexual acts on him.
Victim Reports Incident
It appears the victim ultimately felt compelled to report these encounters to law enforcement on March 21, after ceasing her work for Bethea. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office swiftly requested an investigation by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), leading to Bethea’s arrest on October 2. Bethea was booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center but was released just two hours later on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.
Bethea’s Background and Previous Investigations
Before this unsettling incident, Bethea had joined USC Beaufort as a police officer in October 2021. He resigned on February 26 while under investigation for unrelated misconduct following reports about a traffic stop he conducted. It turns out that this traffic stop led to internal inquiries into Bethea’s professional conduct. The investigation found he had committed 14 violations of legal and policy standards, ranging from mishandling data collection during traffic stops to using his blue lights improperly.
The allegations of misconduct were extensive enough to prompt the university’s Critical Incident Review Board to dive deeper into Bethea’s actions. Unfortunately, the investigation is revealing a troubling pattern of behavior. Although there were no prior criminal records for Bethea, the cumulative reports led to mounting concerns regarding his conduct as a law enforcement officer.
Community Reaction
The Bluffton community is currently grappling with the shock of these allegations. Families are understandably concerned about the implications of having a former officer accused of such serious crimes. Many residents expressed a mix of disbelief and concern for the safety of the community’s youth. It raises broader questions about the hiring processes for law enforcement personnel and the measures in place to hold officers accountable, even as they leave their posts.
Looking Ahead
As this case progresses, the Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office will take the lead on prosecuting Bethea. The public is eager to see justice served in light of the allegations, and many are calling for transparency in the proceedings. The ongoing investigation may also uncover more details about Bethea’s previous role with the sheriff’s office before moving to USC Beaufort.
The public is reminded to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities, especially when concerning the well-being of minors. This event serves as a potent reminder of the importance of community awareness and the shared responsibility to protect our children.
As more information becomes available, we will continue to keep our readers updated on this developing story, highlighting not just the facts but also the community’s response and the overall lessons to be learned from such incidents.
