Williamsburg County Sheriff's Office

09/10/2026

The Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center would like to extend our most sincere condolences to the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office regarding the passing of Deputy Michael Hendricks, who tragically died during the line of duty.

We will keep the family of Deputy Hendricks, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Charleston community in our prayers during this difficult time.

Deputy Hendricks made the ultimate sacrifice, and he will forever be remembered for his service. His courage, dedication, and commitment to protecting others will live on in the lives he touched during his service.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who knew and loved him. May Deputy Michael Hendricks rest in eternal peace.

Gone but never forgotten.

The Summerville Police Department is deeply saddened by the passing of Charleston County Sheriff's Office Deputy Michael Hendricks, who lost his life in the line of duty.

His journey in law enforcement began here at the Summerville Police Department as a police cadet many years ago. From those beginnings, his career would go on to touch multiple agencies and communities throughout the Lowcountry.

While Michael’s career took him well beyond our department, we will always remember that his commitment to law enforcement began here in Summerville. We are grateful to have been one small part of a career devoted to serving others.

We extend our deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, fellow deputies, and the entire Charleston County Sheriff’s Office as they grieve this tremendous loss.

Rest in peace, Deputy Hendricks. Your service and sacrifice will be remembered.

08/07/2026

Please join us in congratulating Patrol Deputy Arthur Pope who graduated from South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, Basic Law Enforcement Class 861 on today! Deputy Pope we are all proud of you!💙🖤✨🎊

07/13/2026

The Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office extends its most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Senator Lindsey Garham. Senator Graham has dedicated a lifetime to serving the citizens of South Carolina, and the Nation. We are appreciative for all of his hard work and sacrifices. We thank you for your service, Sir! 🇺🇸🫡

07/09/2026

July 9, 2026
Press Release (Update)🚨🚨🚨
Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office: Death Investigation

Subject: Kenneth McClary, of Lane, South Carolina, was arrested and charged by the Williamsburg County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) with Murder (16-03-010), Burglary 1st Degree (16-11-311), Burglary 2nd Degree (16-11-312), Kidnapping (16-3-910), Arson 2nd Degree (16-11-110(B)), Arson 3rd Degree (16-11-110(C)), and Destruction of Human Remains (16-17-600(A)).

Narrative: On June 26, 2026, Williamsburg County Fire Rescue (WCFR) personnel responded to 23 Law Avenue, Lane, South Carolina (Williamsburg County) in reference to a structure fire. The structure at the address is a duplex apartment, and it was fully engulfed in flames at the time of the arrival of WCFR. WCFR extinguished the fire, and discovered a deceased victim inside of the duplex. The South Carolina Law Enforcement (SLED) Arson Unit responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.

Further investigation into the incident revealed that the victim had injuries that were inconsistent with injuries sustained from a fire. Video surveillance was recovered from a nearby building which captured footage of the incident. The video showed McClary sitting on the porch of the duplex with the victim. After the victim went inside, McClary walked behind the duplex, and was later captured walking away from the rear of the duplex, with smoke coming from the rear of the duplex. The smoke at the rear of the duplex stopped. McClary later returned, and forced entry into the victim’s apartment through the front door. McClary later exited the victim’s apartment wearing different outer clothing. McClary is later seen on video returning to the incident location, and exiting prior to a large glow consistent with a fire coming from the duplex. A short time later, the duplex became fully engulfed in flames.

​WCSO records showed that McClary was the suspect in a burglary and arson complaint for an incident that occurred on June 16, 2026. Note: McClary was later charged with Burglary 2nd Degree and Arson 3rd Degree in reference to this incident. McClary was located at a camper where he resides, and he was transported to the WCSO to be interviewed. A search warrant was executed on the camper after McClary’s interview. Several items of interest were discovered in the camper, along with shoes and clothing that were partially burnt in a nearby burn barrel. McClary also had recent visible injuries, for which he received medical treatment.

​Preliminary findings from the fire investigation revealed that the fire was started by a person. It was also found that the victim’s feet were bound with an electronic device cord. Based on the evidence obtained, McClary was charged with murder, and he was booked into the Williamsburg County Detention Center (WCDC). On July 6, 2026, McClary was served with additional warrants for the criminal offenses of Burglary 1st Degree, Burglary 2nd Degree, Kidnapping, Arson 2nd Degree, Arson 3rd Degree, and Destruction of Human remains.

The investigation into this matter is ongoing. If you have any additional information on this matter, please contact the WCSO. Information can be reported anonymously through WCCD non-emergency line at (843) 354-0606. Additionally, information can be provided to Crime Stoppers of the P*e Dee at (843) 713-8477.

07/08/2026

July 8, 2026

Press Release
Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office: Death Investigation

Subject: Death Investigation

Narrative: On July 8, 2026, The Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service requested the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to assist with a death investigation at 277 North Williamsburg County Highway, Kingstree, South Carolina 29556. Citizens traveling in the area can expect to see a high volume of law enforcement, and may experience some disruption to normal traffic patterns. At this time there is no threat to the public. All questions pertaining to the death investigation can be directed to SLED.

07/04/2026

Happy Independence Day!!! 🇺🇸

06/29/2026

June 29, 2026
Press Release
Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office: Death Investigation

Subject: Kenneth McClary, of Lane, South Carolina, was arrested and charged by the Williamsburg County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) with Murder (S.C. 16-03-0010).

Narrative: On June 26, 2026, Williamsburg County Fire Rescue (WCFR) personnel responded to 23 Law Avenue, Lane, South Carolina (Williamsburg County) in reference to a structure fire. The structure at the address is a duplex apartment, and it was fully engulfed in flames at the time of the arrival of WCFR. WCFR extinguished the fire, and discovered a deceased victim inside of the duplex. The South Carolina Law Enforcement (SLED) Arson Unit responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.

Further investigation into the incident revealed that the victim had injuries that were inconsistent with injuries sustained from a fire. Video surveillance was recovered from a nearby building which captured footage of the incident. The video showed McClary sitting on the porch of the duplex with the victim. After the victim went inside, McClary walked behind the duplex, and was later captured walking away from the rear of the duplex, with smoke coming from the rear of the duplex. The smoke at the rear of the duplex stopped. McClary later returned, and made entry into the victim’s apartment through the front door. McClary later exited the victim’s apartment wearing different outer clothing. McClary is later seen on video returning to the incident location, and exiting prior to a large glow consistent with a fire coming from the duplex. A short time later, the duplex became fully engulfed in flames.

​WCSO records showed that McClary was the suspect in a burglary and arson complaint weeks prior to the incident. McClary was located at a camper where he resides, and he was transported to the WCSO to be interviewed. A search warrant was executed on the camper after McClary’s interview. Several items of interest were discovered in the camper, along with shoes and clothing that were partially burnt in a nearby burn barrel. McClary also had recent visible injuries, for which he received medical treatment.

​Preliminary findings from the fire investigation revealed that the fire was started by a person. Base on the evidence obtained, McClary was charged with murder, and he was booked into the Williamsburg County Detention Center (WCDC). Additional charges will be sought as more details become available during the course of the investigation.

The investigation into this matter is ongoing. If you have any additional information on this matter, please contact the WCSO. Information can be reported anonymously through WCCD non-emergency line at (843) 354-0606. Additionally, information can be provided to Crime Stoppers of the P*e Dee at (843) 713-8477.

06/19/2026

🖤💚🧡💛 HAPPY JUNETEENTH 💚💛🧡❤️🖤
Juneteenth is an annual commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States which we now celebrate as a national holiday. Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth has been observed by communities across the country, in different ways, for more than 150 years.

Juneteenth (short for "June Nineteenth") marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that enslaved African Americans be freed. The troops' arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.

In observance of Juneteenth, our office is Closed Today and Will reopen on Monday, June 22, 2026.

05/25/2026

Each year, we take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to their country. We pay tribute to their bravery and sacrifice. Happy Memorial Day! 🇺🇸🫡

05/23/2026

Williamsburg County EMS would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Nadia Pressley (not pictured) and LaVoia Ceaser with the Williamsburg County Detention Center for their thoughtful generosity during National EMS Week.

The delicious box lunches and assortment of sandwiches were greatly appreciated by our crews. Acts of kindness such as yours truly uplift our personnel and remind us how valued and supported we are by our community partners.

We are grateful for your continued support of EMS professionals and for taking the time to recognize the hard work and dedication of our team during this special week.

Thank you again for your generosity, kindness, and support of Williamsburg County EMS.

Sincerely,
Williamsburg County EMS