Child Abuse Charges Shake Florence Community

Categories: School News

Parents in Florence rally for increased child safety measures following disturbing abuse allegations.

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News Summary

In a shocking case, former daycare worker Laurin B. Boyce, 73, has been denied bond after facing serious child abuse charges in Florence, SC. Allegations include assaulting children at Maranatha Christian School. Community concerns rise as others associated with the school face scrutiny for failing to report the abuse. The ongoing investigation has left parents anxious about their children’s safety, culminating in a call for action from local authorities. Boyce remains in custody, with her next court date on April 2, 2025.

Child Abuse Charges Shake Florence Community

Florence, South Carolina – In a story that has left many in the community shocked and concerned, a former daycare worker has been denied bond in a troubling child abuse case. Laurin B. Boyce, a 73-year-old with a history of working with children, found herself in court on February 19, 2025, where the judge decided she posed a significant danger to the community. This decision comes as a major blow to Boyce, who is now facing serious charges and remains behind bars.

The Allegations Against Boyce

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. These alarming accusations stem from alleged incidents that took place at the Maranatha Christian School in Florence County on January 23 and January 30, 2025.

The particulars of the accusations are particularly concerning. It is alleged that during one of the incidents, Boyce treated a child in a manner no caring adult should ever consider. Reports suggest that she slammed a child’s head into a crib, covered their head with a blanket, pressed down on it, and proceeded to drag the child out of the room. In a separate incident on the playground, she is accused of knocking down a child, picking them up by the arm and leg, and dropping them from waist height onto their head. These actions have caused many to question how such behavior could take place in an environment meant to nurture and protect children.

Details Surrounding the Bond Hearing

This recent bond hearing at the Marion County Courthouse marks the second time Boyce has had her bond denied. The first rejection occurred shortly after her arrest on February 10 at the Effingham Magistrate Court. Today’s ruling indicates that the judicial system is taking these allegations very seriously, reflecting a community’s growing concern for the well-being of its children.

Involvement of Other Individuals

What’s even more disturbing is that Boyce is not the only individual facing scrutiny in this case. Three others associated with the school – Jessica Elmore (33), Dawn Kirven (42), and Lee B. Patrick (54) – are also entangled in this situation. They stand accused of failing to report the alleged child abuse and neglect, highlighting a concerning lapse in responsibility within the school’s environment.

Elmore and Kirven, both nursery workers at the school, are said to have been aware of the abuse allegations but did not take the necessary steps to report them. Meanwhile, Patrick, who serves as a pastor, also had a legal obligation to report the abuse he allegedly failed to address. Interestingly, all three individuals have managed to post a $6,000 bond and have since been released, while Boyce remains behind bars.

Community’s Response and Ongoing Investigations

As the community processes this unsettling news, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office has assured residents that it is conducting a thorough and ongoing investigation into the incidents at Maranatha Christian School. Many are seeking clarification on the roles of all involved. The attorneys for Elmore, Kirven, and Patrick have stated that their clients did not directly harm any children, but rather are being charged with failing to report abuse. This technicality has sparked heated discussions among parents and guardians who are concerned about their children’s safety.

To add more complexity, the judge has amended a previous order allowing Lee Patrick to continue preaching on Sundays while instructing him not to have any further contact with the school until the investigation concludes. The community now watches closely, waiting for the next steps in this troubling saga.

Upcoming Court Dates

As for Laurin Boyce, she remains in custody at the Florence County Detention Center, with her next court appearance set for April 2, 2025. Many in the community are hoping for swift justice as they grapple with the implications of this case on their beloved educational institutions.

As this story unfolds, concerns for child safety continue to resonate, highlighting the need for vigilance in ensuring that such incidents are reported and addressed promptly to protect the vulnerable.