Former Lexington County Detention Deputy Faces Two Criminal Charges
In a shocking revelation, a former Lexington County detention deputy, Yvette Constantino Wiggins, is facing two criminal charges. The charges are in connection to her involvement in providing contraband to an inmate during her tenure and misconduct in office.
Details of Charges
The law enforcement agents of the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) were responsible for arresting the accused. Wiggins, 57, turned herself in on a Thursday morning at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department’s headquarters where she was arrested.
Wiggins stands accused of allegedly providing contraband to an inmate and for misconduct in office, as stated by the SLED. The terms of her indictment reveal grave lapses in protocol and work ethics.
Superiors’ Response and Action
Sheriff Jay Koon of Lexington County, when alerted of Wiggins’ alleged wrongdoings, promptly referred the matter to SLED for an independent and unbiased criminal investigation.
In a statement, Sheriff Koon expressed that individuals involved in law enforcement are entrusted with the duty of protection and engagement with community members. They are held to higher standards due to their line of duty. He reiterated the importance of holding them accountable if they fail in upholding these standards.
Employment History and Dismissal
As per the information from the Sheriff’s Department, Wiggins’ tenure with the department began in October 2021, implying a rather short period of employment. Responding swiftly to her transgressions once the allegations came to light, the department terminated her employment on Aug. 13.
Post her arrest, Wiggins was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center on Thursday morning.
Consequences and Precedents
Considering this incident, the misconduct by a law enforcement officer raises significant questions about the effectiveness of existing checks and balances in the system. This case underscores the need for greater oversight and stronger disciplinary measures to deter any such future incidents.
This incident serves as a pertinent lesson for those in similar positions of trust and power. It is a stark reminder that those entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the law must ensure their actions do not undermine its sanctity.
As the investigation is still underway and further details of the case are awaited, the repercussions of this incident on the accused and its larger impact on the department remain to be seen. Nonetheless, this serves as a telling indication of the standards and expectations set for people in positions of law enforcement.
