News Summary
Laurens County saw multiple arrests over the weekend, including East Laurens High School teacher Larry ‘Chip’ Fleming for simple battery against a student. Other arrests involved drug offenses, financial fraud, and violations of public safety. These incidents have raised safety concerns in the community regarding the behavior of both educators and local citizens. Law enforcement agencies are working to address these issues and keep the community informed about local crime.
Laurens County Weekend Arrests Report
Laurens County witnessed several arrests over the weekend, with charges ranging from drug offenses to battery involving an educator. The most notable incident involved Larry “Chip” Fleming, a teacher at East Laurens High School, who was charged with simple battery after allegedly slapping a 17-year-old student during a junior varsity football game on May 1.
According to reports, during a disagreement, Fleming allegedly stood on the student’s feet to prevent them from moving and then slapped them. Witnesses confirmed the interaction, but no physical marks were found on the student. The Laurens County School District’s Superintendent stated that they are unable to comment on Fleming’s employment status due to personnel policies. Fleming was booked into the Laurens County jail but was released the same day, and surveillance footage of the incident was later provided to law enforcement.
Other Arrests in Laurens County
In separate incidents, seven other individuals were arrested on various charges:
- Belinda Leake of Laurens was arrested for driving under suspension, marking it as her third or subsequent offense not related to DUI.
- Robert Johnson from Clinton faced multiple charges, including unlawful advertisement for sale, possession of paraphernalia, and first-degree burglary, along with malicious injury to animals and property damage less than $2,000.
- Antonio Jenkins of Gray Court was charged with being a pedestrian under the influence, breach of peace, and entering premises after receiving a warning.
- Jessie Huckabee of Laurens was arrested for financial transaction card fraud, exceeding $500 within a six-month period.
- James Hill from Clinton was charged with entering premises after a warning and unlawfully using 911.
- Archie Grant of Laurens was also charged as a pedestrian under the influence.
- Mark Cundiff from Fountain Inn faced charges for aggravated breach of peace.
- Keith Butt of Fountain Inn was charged with a violation of the Sex Offender Registry for a second offense due to failing to register.
- Emanuel Barksdale of Laurens encountered multiple charges, including possessing contraband in prison, possession of less than 28 grams of marijuana, and driving under the influence.
Background Context
The recent incidents have raised concerns within the local community regarding safety and the behavior of local educators and citizens alike. The district’s inability to comment on personnel matters regarding Larry Fleming illustrates the sensitive nature of such charges against individuals in authority positions.
The charges against Robert Johnson highlight ongoing issues with substance abuse and property crimes in the region, while pedestrian-related charges indicate a broader concern about public safety. This wave of arrests reflects a continuously evolving law enforcement landscape in Laurens County and the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining order.
Law enforcement agencies are expected to continue their efforts to address these issues, with community members encouraged to stay informed about local crime and public safety measures. The events of this past weekend serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in everyday life.
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Additional Resources
- 13 WMAZ: East Laurens Athletic Coordinator Arrested
- Wikipedia: Police arrests
- 41 NBC: 3 Arrested in Laurens County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- WYFF4: Day Care Workers Arrested
- Google News: Child Abuse Arrests
- Fox Carolina: Deputies Make Arrest After Deadly Shooting
- Google Scholar: Arrest Statistics
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
