Shock in Florence: School Employee Denied Bond in Disturbing Case
The quiet town of Florence, South Carolina, was rocked this week by a case that has parents and guardians on high alert. Darius Fontaine Fitts, a 31-year-old former in-school suspension monitor at Wilson High School, found himself in hot water after being charged with disseminating obscene material to a minor. The news hit the community hard, as Fitts had been a familiar face in the school.
Court Proceedings and Charges
In a tense bond hearing on Tuesday, Florence County Magistrate Judge Jerry Rivers made the decision to deny bond for Fitts. “At this time, I am not going to set bond on you. You will receive no bond on this level. I will be forwarding your case to the circuit court,” the judge stated clearly, leaving little room for misunderstanding.
The allegations against Fitts are both serious and disturbing. According to Major Michael Nunn of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, Fitts is accused of sending explicit photographs of himself through text messages to a minor. This shocking exchange reportedly occurred while the victim was underage and, alarmingly, some of the messages were allegedly sent during school hours!
Immediate Reactions from School Officials
In light of these events, the Florence One Schools district issued a statement expressing their concern. They mentioned that they had been alerted by a student about the inappropriate communication from an employee. Immediately upon learning about the situation, the district’s administration took swift action by notifying law enforcement and promised to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
The statement emphasized the seriousness of the issue, noting that Fitts is no longer associated with the school district. This move is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of the students.
Legal Representation and Victim Advocacy
During the bond hearing, Fitts was represented by attorneys Linward Edwards and Ashley Nance. Nance voiced her concerns regarding the potential for more victims in this troubling case. “How can we ensure that he doesn’t do this while he’s out on bond to somebody else?” Nance asked, raising valid questions that many in the courtroom echoed.
The judge was informed that the content of some of the messages was particularly alarming, described by the attorneys as “egregious.” This news has many in the community wondering just how deep this issue goes and whether there may be other victims yet to come forward.
Further Developments and Community Concerns
Trixie Ussery, a Victim/Witness Advocate from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, supported the claims that there might be additional charges coming against Fitts. She urged the court for strong measures to prevent any contact between Fitts and potential victims, along with ensuring he doesn’t return to Wilson High School.
As the hearing progressed, Fitts claimed that his attorney was supposed to join him but was unable to attend due to another court obligation. Judge Rivers explained to him that they were not made aware of any legal representation for him during the hearing, and he was advised that he could request a subsequent bond hearing in the future.
What’s Next for Fitts?
For now, Fitts remains behind bars at the Florence County Detention Center as his case heads to circuit court. It’s worth noting that he has been identified on a flyer as an elder in the Apostolic Church denomination, adding another layer of concern for the community.
For parents and guardians in Florence, it’s essential to stay vigilant and maintain open lines of communication with their children about the dangers of inappropriate online interactions. As this case develops, many are left questioning: how do we protect our youth and ensure this doesn’t happen again?
The unfolding saga leaves Florence on edge, reminding everyone of the importance of safety in schools and the need for diligent action against any threats to our children.
