South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Apprehends Three for Harboring Escapee
BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. – Three Suspects in Custody for Harboring Escaped Convict
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has put three individuals in custody, denying charges of harboring an escaped convict. The accused trio consists of Kalynn Jade Cloud, 20, Amani Nekwan Vaughn, 30, and Guy Frank Talley III, 27. They have been arrested for concealing 29-year old, Jaquan Duvall Barnes, a fugitive on the run sought for human trafficking, according to SLED spokesperson Renée Wunderlich.
Arrest of Escaped Convict in Connection with Human Trafficking
Deputies from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office located and apprehended Barnes on July 7. Pursuant to his extradition to South Carolina, Barnes was charged on July 11 with grave offenses. Namely, these charges include human trafficking of a minor, two counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, two counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and unlawful escape.
Details of the Escape and Concealment
The booking history of Barnes reveals that he was awaiting trial and sentencing at the Jasper County Detention Center. During his incarceration, he planned and achieved an elaborate escape. Arrest warrants further revealed that upon his escape, Barnes found shelter at Talley’s residence located in Beaufort, around June 9 or 10.
Cloud, Vaughn, and Talley are alleged to have provided refuge for Barnes and are now facing charges for the same. As a result of these alleged illegal activities, all four individuals were transported and booked into Beaufort County Detention Center.
Investigative Efforts Underway as Community Reacts
This case has brought new attention to the communities of South Carolina and Jacksonville. Residents have been rattled by the details of the case and the community eagerly awaits the results of SLED’s ongoing investigation. The prompt actions and coordination between the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and SLED are notable and command the respect and appreciation of the community. The diligent implementation and execution of this investigation reiterate the commitment of the respective law enforcement agencies to protect their communities and bring culprits to justice.
