PCSO News Center

• We are actively patrolling areas as normal.  However, we would request that for all non-emergency or non-in-progress calls, that we have a Deputy call and take those reports over the phone whenever possible.

• The front lobby at the Sheriff’s Office will remain open for now, but strictly for limited services.

• Non-ferrous (scrap metal) permits will not be issued at this time.

• We have restricted public access to our Records Unit.  Anyone who needs to request copies of incident reports should call one of the following numbers:

864-898-5506, 864-898-5507, 864-898-5508, 864-898-2446

• All Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests can be made by visiting our website at www.pickenssheriff.com or via email at PCSO_MAIL@co.pickens.sc.us or by calling one of the above numbers.

Thank you and we want to assure you that we are still conducting business and we are here for you during this time in our lives when we all are adjusting to a new way of staying safe.  

02-28-20

Pickens County Sheriff’s Office Attempts to Locate Missing Man

The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office is currently attempting to locate a 28 year old man that was last seen leaving his grandmother’s residence in the Easley area on February 13, 2020, at approximately 1:15 pm. 

William Franklin “Willie” Craig is described as a W/M, 6’0”, 240 lbs. with brown hair and blue eyes.  He was last seen wearing a long sleeve pull-over with aqua and rust colored stripes, blue jeans, and tan boots.  He is possibly driving a black 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt with the South Carolina license plate number EFZ 721.  The vehicle also has a “M” sticker on the passenger side rear fender.

Mr. Craig suffers from medical conditions and has not had access to his medication according to family members. 

The Sheriff’s Office asks anyone that may see Mr. Craig or has information regarding his location to please contact the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office at (864) 898-5500.

A photo of Mr. Craig is attached to this release along with a stock photo of the type of vehicle he may be in.

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02-20-20

The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office is currently attempting to locate a 21 year old missing Clemson University student that was last seen at a residence in the Clemson area at approximately 11:00 pm on Sunday, February 16^th.

John Andrew Martin, Jr. is described as a W/M, 5’9”, 145 lbs. with brown hair and blue eyes.  He was last seen wearing a black and red flannel shirt, khaki pants, work boots, and a gray hat.

Mr. Martin is believed to be driving a gray 2006 Mazda MZ3 hatchback with South Carolina license plate number MFS 136.

Detectives are currently following leads in an attempt to locate Mr. Martin.

The Sheriff’s Office asks anyone that may see Mr. Martin or has information regarding his location to please contact the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office at (864) 898-5500.

A photo of Mr. Martin has been attached to this release.

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Media Release#1 – Drug Operation January

2020Warrant List-First Release

John Mathis Anthony
Justin Allen Chappell
Travis Mitchell HendricksWhitney Sharee HallDewayne Claude MooreScott William DelanoLuke Allen MillsJason Dean HolderAnthony Wayne SummerallCatherine Denise RameyCathy Michelle McalisterDarrell TabronSamuel Ray RossRichard Douglas SwisherJames Lynn RobinsonAlgernon Terrell StokesAndrea Michelle HolderTia Celest MartinRobert Christopher Duke

 

 

Media Release#1 Daniel High School (Weapon on School Property) December 2019

11-18-19 

The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting an investigation into the death of Kylee Dawn Woods, 11 YOA, after a weekend shooting incident.  The incident occurred at 587 Shady Grove Road, Pickens, South Carolina.

Sheriff’s deputies were notified on 11/16/19 and responded to the residence.  Upon their arrival, they found out that the victim had been transported to AnMed Health Cannon Hospital via personal vehicle.  Detectives responded to the scene and to the hospital to begin their investigation.

During the investigation, Detectives determined that several family members were “target practicing” at the above residence with multiple different weapons.  As a family member was attempting to unload a .40 caliber handgun, it was accidently discharged striking the victim who was standing nearby.  Ms. Woods was later pronounced dead at the hospital.  The weapon was turned over to deputies at the scene.

All information obtained in the investigation thus far does not indicate any obvious signs of foul play.  It appears that this is just a very tragic accident.

The Sheriff’s Office has no additional information to release at this time pending results from the autopsy and completion of the investigation.  The Sheriff’s Office is being assisted with the investigation by the Pickens County Coroner’s Office.

Sheriff Clark stated that “The prayers of the entire sheriff’s office are with this family and I hope that people will respect their need for privacy as they deal with this tragedy.”

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Media Release Prison Empire-Final

11-06-19

Sergeant Art Taylor, a 27 year veteran of the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, was selected and presented the 2019 Billy Wilkins Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement. The award was presented to Sergeant Taylor on November 6, 2109, during a ceremony at the Pickens County Courthouse.

The purpose of this award, aside from honoring those who exhibit excellence in the performance of their duties, is to perpetuate the vision of the Honorable Billy Wilkins, whom this award was named after. While serving in the role of Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor in the 1970’s, Judge Wilkins pioneered an innovative approach to policing; one where law enforcement and the solicitor’s office work hand-in-hand to ensure that criminal investigations are successfully prosecuted.

Throughout his investigative career, Sergeant Taylor has embraced this practice, routinely consulting, collaborating with, and seeking direction from the solicitor’s office long before the cases have been forwarded for prosecution.   Sergeant Taylor’s application of Judge Wilkins’ vision has paved the way for successful prosecutions on some of the most heinous crimes this county has ever witnessed.

After having joined the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, Sergeant Taylor quickly proved his value to the agency while working in various units before pursuing his passion as a detective in 2009. Following his appointment as a detective, Sergeant Taylor took it upon himself to hone his investigative skillset by seeking out the most complicated and strenuous cases. This dedication led to Sergeant Taylor pursuing a position on the agency’s “homicide team”, a unit that is essentially on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no additional compensation to be a member of this team and the hours are unpredictable, but never once has Sergeant Taylor complained about his role within the unit. Instead, despite the lack of compensation and the additional workload, Sergeant Taylor views his integral role within the team as a source of professional pride.

Sergeant Taylor’s most important attribute is his reliability. Major crimes rarely occur during “business hours”. Instead, heinous and violent crimes tend to occur either late at night or during the early morning hours. Naturally, this occasionally leads to logistical issues with ensuring that the appropriate personnel are available. This has never been the case with Sergeant Taylor, who whenever summoned answers the call with a positive attitude and an eagerness to work. Sergeant Taylor’s consistent reliability has led to him being dubbed “Mr. Reliable” by Captain Chuck James.

Sheriff Clark stated… 

“Art Taylor is an invaluable asset to the Sheriff’s Office and Pickens County is fortunate to have him not only at our agency but as a lifelong citizen of our community. His love for our county is seen every day in his commitment and dedication to improve the quality of life for our citizens. The manner in which Sergeant Taylor conducts his personal and professional life sets a standard by which we all can target as our personal goal for success”.

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10-25-19 

Sheriff Rick Clark has returned Sergeant Robert Porter and Deputy Matt McGaha to full active duty effective immediately following his review of the agency’s internal investigation.  The investigation stems from the officer involved shooting that occurred at 278 Nursery Road in Easley on Saturday, October 19, 2019.

Both deputies had been placed on Administrative Leave with Pay after the shooting incident that resulted in the death of Rickey Leonard Harris.

The Office of Professional Standards, which is the agency’s internal affairs unit, was directed by Sheriff Clark to investigate the incident independent of the criminal investigation that is still being conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

The internal investigation file was turned over to Sheriff Clark late yesterday afternoon for his review.  He issued his directive today to return both deputies to full active status with no restrictions.

Sheriff Clark stated…

“Our agency has reviewed the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident involving the use of deadly force and I concur with the findings that the deputies were justified and within policy in their decision to discharge a service weapon for the protection of their own life. 

Anytime a life is lost it’s a very tragic situation.  Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with our deputies, their families, and the family of Mr. Harris.”

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