In a recent incident, Ex-SC police officer Justin Brian McKenzie, 40, a resident of McBee, South Carolina, has been arrested and charged with sexual extortion and misconduct in office. The charges were brought forth by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) following an incident in McBee, Chesterfield County, near the North Carolina border. McKenzie, a former officer of the Cheraw Police Department, allegedly threatened a victim with the publication of private and sexually explicit images on social media platforms to coerce them into providing additional explicit material. Chief Julius Riley of the Cheraw Police Department requested SLED’s intervention, leading to McKenzie’s arrest and booking at the Chesterfield County Detention Center. McKenzie’s bond was set at $10,000.
The case will be prosecuted by the 4th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and McKenzie could face a maximum prison sentence of five years if convicted of felony sexual extortion. Additionally, a conviction on the misconduct in office charge may result in a maximum penalty of one year of imprisonment and a $1,000 fine under South Carolina law. These charges underscore the severity of sexual extortion and the legal repercussions that accompany such actions. Law enforcement agencies, including SLED, maintain their dedication to investigating and prosecuting individuals who misuse their authority or violate the law. The community and law enforcement officials in Cheraw and McBee are focused on upholding justice, protecting victims’ rights, and ensuring accountability for those involved in criminal behavior.
