News Summary
Florence County is in shock after four staff members from Maranatha Christian School were charged with child abuse allegations. The accusations, which include serious offenses against children, have left parents and residents horrified. Community outrage has led to calls for better protective measures for children in educational settings, while legal proceedings loom for those charged. Investigations are ongoing as the community seeks justice and answers regarding the safety of their children.
Community Shocked as Four Charged with Child Abuse at Maranatha Christian School
Florence County is reeling from recent events surrounding the Maranatha Christian School, where four staff members have found themselves on the wrong side of the law due to disturbing allegations of child abuse. This situation has created quite a stir among parents and residents, leaving many in disbelief and seeking answers.
A Troubling Incident Unfolds
Among those charged is Laurin B. Boyce, a 73-year-old daycare worker, who faces serious allegations that include slamming a child’s head into a crib. On January 23, Boyce reportedly covered the child’s head with a blanket and pressed down on it for an alarming duration before dragging the child out of the room. Just a week later, on January 30, Boyce is accused of knocking another child over on the playground and dropping them from waist height onto their head. These accusations paint a chilling picture of the environment at the school.
Legal Consequences
Due to these heinous accusations, Boyce is facing multiple charges, including two counts of unlawful conduct toward a child, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and second-degree assault and battery. He was arrested on February 10, and following a bond hearing, he has been denied bond and remains in custody as this unsettling case unfolds.
Others in the Firing Line
Joining Boyce in the spotlight are three other individuals who have been charged with related offenses. Jessica Elmore, a 33-year-old nursery worker, and Dawn Kirven, the 42-year-old principal at the school, have found themselves under scrutiny for failing to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Elmore faces two counts of this serious charge, while Kirven is also implicated for her failure to act on the concerns brought to her attention.
Adding to the mix is Lee B. Patrick, a 54-year-old pastor at First Free Will Baptist Church, who is accused of failing to report child abuse/neglect as well as criminal conspiracy. Holding a position of trust within the school, Patrick was required by law to report any signs of child abuse but allegedly failed to do so.
A Terrifying Silence
The investigation led by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Kirven and Elmore were aware of the abuse yet did nothing to inform law enforcement, which is a legal obligation for certain professionals in South Carolina, including educators and clergy. This revelation has left many community members outraged and questioning the safety of their children.
Community Reaction
Following the arrests, the community’s reactions have been visceral. Parents are understandably horrified about the looming possibility that individuals charged with caring for their children might not only have failed to protect them but also participated in their harm. Many parents are calling for these accused individuals to be prohibited from supervising children, given the severity of the allegations against them.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
A bond hearing for all four suspects took place shortly after their arrests, and another court date is already set for April 2, during General Sessions Court. As the legal drama unfolds, the Florence County Magistrate’s Office clarified that these arrests were carefully planned and anticipated, ensuring that the police took the necessary steps to address the seriousness of the situation.
Investigation Ongoing
As the investigation continues, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone with additional information to come forward. In an environment where children should feel safe and protected, community members are left grappling with the shocking reality that this alleged abuse could take place right under their noses.
The coming weeks will be crucial as the legal proceedings begin, and parents, staff, and community members hope for justice on behalf of the children involved.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News
- Wikipedia: Child abuse
- WBTW News
- Google Search: Child abuse investigation
- WPDE News
- Google Scholar: Florence County child abuse
- WBTW News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child abuse
- WMBF News
- Google News: Florence County arrests
