Williamsburg County Sheriff's Office

10/17/2026

The Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center would like to extend our most sincere condolences to the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office regarding the passing of Chief Deputy Clifton J. Howle.

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

Gone but never forgotten. 🖤💙🙏🏾

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sheriff Michael August
Date: 10/16/2026

It is with heavy hearts that the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Michael August announce the passing of Chief Deputy Clifton J. Howle.

Chief Howle was a good man, with a kind heart who treated others with kindness and respect. His genuine nature, warm personality, and ability to bring a smile to those around him made him truly special. Chief was more than a colleague and a leader; he was someone we cared about deeply, and his loss will be felt by all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

Clifton Howle started his career in law enforcement in 1993 working at South Carolina Probation Pardon and Parole (PPP). Through his career at PPP, he held several positions and worked his way up from Agent in Charge to Assistant Deputy Director for field operations. After retiring from PPP in 2022, Clifton took on a new role as a Municipal Judge in the town of Mcbee and Jefferson. In 2025, Clifton came with Sheriff Michael August’s administration as Chief Deputy.

It was truly an honor to have worked alongside him and he will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues. At this time, we ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this tremendous loss.

Once arrangements have been made by Chief Howle’s family, we will follow up with more information.

09/28/2026

Congratulations to our Supervisor of the Year!
Captain Daryel Moyd!! 🏆🎉🎊

This year at the South Carolina Jail Administrators Association Conference, Captain Daryel Moyd was nominated and selected as Supervisor of the year!!

Captain Daryel Moyd exemplifies the true meaning of dedication, resilience, leadership, and service at the Williamsburg County Detention Center.

He has transformed a deeply personal challenge into a powerful example of courage, perseverance, and tenacity.

Captain Moyd’s leadership has a profound impact on those around him. He does more than oversee daily operations; he actively invests in the professional and personal growth of his staff. Captain Moyd also has the lateral duties as the Public Information Officer for the Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office. In 2019-2020, Captain Moyd graduated from the Lenoir-Rhyne University, Lutheran Theological Seminary and received his certification in Public Safety Chaplaincy, and became a peer support member with SCLEAP. Captain Moyd’s consistent guidance, practical wisdom, encouragement, and steady leadership, he ensures that his officers feel supported, valued, and prepared to succeed in one of the most demanding and high-stress environments.


His pastoral spirit is one of the many qualities that make Captain Moyd an exceptional supervisor. He has a gift for speaking motivation and encouragement into both inmates and officers. He plays many roles—supervisor, mentor, counselor, encourager, community servant, and pastor—not because he is seeking recognition or compensation, but because he genuinely has a passion for people and a heart for service.

Captain Moyd’s commitment extends far beyond the walls of the detention center. He is also a pillar of strength within his local church, serving as **Overseer-Elect and Pastor of Spirit Filled in Kingstree**, alongside his wife, Ebony Moyd. He continues to devote his time, energy, and gifts to helping others, demonstrating that his commitment to service is not simply a job requirement—it is a way of life.

Whether he is serving his officers, supporting inmates, encouraging his community, or ministering through his church, Captain Moyd consistently gives his very best. His influence reaches far beyond his official title because he leads through his actions, his character, and his unwavering willingness to serve others.

Captain Daryl Moyd represents the finest qualities of an exceptional supervisor: **resilience, integrity, mentorship, compassion, courage, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to service.** His ability to remain dedicated in the face of adversity, while continuing to uplift and inspire those around him, is truly remarkable.

He does not simply supervise—he leads, mentors, encourages, serves, and inspires. His strength in the face of adversity and his dedication to making a difference in the lives of others make him not only deserving of this recognition, but an outstanding example of what a supervisor should be.

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.