Three MPs arrested in sexual misconduct investigation

Three officers at the Berkeley County Detention Center have been charged with criminal misconduct following allegations of sexual assault, according to affidavits filed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

On Thursday, June 17, 2024, SLED arrested Avery Richard Smith23, on a count of first degree sexual abuse, two counts of abuse of office, three points of first degree assault and five counts of third degree assault.

According to the Berkeley County Sheriff S. Duane LewisSLED agents were asked to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct after Avery was accused of assaulting a female inmate at the Hill-Finklea Detention Center on or about Saturday, June 8, 2024.

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“(Avery) intentionally, unlawfully and criminally offered to assist the victim in the prosecution by offering to speak with the arresting officer,” investigators alleged in a probable cause affidavit. “He forcibly kissed her and grabbed her hands, placing her hands on his genital area.”

Just days after beginning their investigation, state investigators found evidence of sexual misconduct that occurred during Avery’s employment in September 2022. According to SLED, witness testimony and surveillance videos confirm these allegations.

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“INTENTIONAL, UNLAWFUL AND CRIMINAL…”

“We have assisted with all of SLED’s requests,” Sheriff Lewis wrote in a statement Thursday. “We work hard every day to earn the trust of our citizens and the employees who work for us. I hope this does not affect the public’s trust in us.”

Affidavits also accuse Avery of groping and sexually assaulting several female colleagues. His arguments are said to have escalated after Sheriff Lewis denied him the prestigious Deputy of the year 2023 in prison Award in January 2024.

“(Avery) intentionally, unlawfully and criminally coerced the victim to have vaginal and oral sex with (him) in the detention center,” investigators wrote of an incident in April 2024. “(Avery) was the victim’s instructor at the time of the assault.”

On Wednesday, June 19, 2024, the controversial son of the Berkley County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) lieutenant Damien Smith has resigned from the Hill-Finklea Detention Center while criminal charges are pending against him, according to documents from the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA).

The following afternoon Christopher Dozier III43, and Frankie Levar-Snider45, were fired for failing to intervene three weeks earlier when Avery assaulted two female employees, according to SCCJA and SLED records.

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“A comprehensive review…”

“(Christopher) witnessed the attack and started laughing and making jokes,” claimed one of the thirteen Arrest warrants signed by district judge Martin House“(Avery) was involved in another assault… the victim of the assault came to (Christopher) and (Christopher) again did nothing.”

SLED then charged Christopher, the brother of former BCSO Deputy Ronitto Dozierand Snider, the senior pastor of a church in Northwoods Mall, with two counts for abuse of authority. They were taken to the Hill-Finklea Detention Center on Thursday.

“No one is above the law – including law enforcement,” Sheriff Lewis continued. “I want to express my gratitude to the hard-working men and women of the Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center. Our Internal Affairs Division will be committed to a full investigation of this incident.”

Dozier and Snider have since posted 30,000 US dollars Bail set on parole (PR) by Judge Housand. As of this publication, Avery remains incarcerated pending bail determinations for eight of his eleven charges.

According to SLED spokesman Renée WunderlichThe state investigation into sexual misconduct at the Hill-Finklea Detention Center is ongoing.

This story may be updated.

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THE AFFIDATE DECLARATIONS…

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …

Andrew Fancher is a Lone Star Emmy award-winning journalist from Dallas, Texas. He comes from a bloodline of outlaws and law enforcement and was the first in his family to graduate from college with honors. Do you have a story idea or news tip for Andy? Email him and connect with him on social media ÞjórsárdenInstagram and Facebook.

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