Laurens County, September 8, 2025
News Summary
Law enforcement in Laurens County conducted several arrests, including serious charges of domestic violence and grand larceny. Notable arrests involved individuals from Laurens and neighboring cities, reflecting a troubling rise in crime. Police emphasize their commitment to maintaining public safety amidst these troubling trends, while community outreach is highlighted as essential for preventing future incidents.
Laurens County – Law enforcement agencies across Laurens County reported a series of arrests on September 8, 2025, including multiple charges related to domestic violence and larceny. This wave of apprehensions involved individuals from various cities, illustrating ongoing law enforcement efforts to maintain public safety amidst rising criminal activities.
Among the notable arrests, Arthur Smith Jr. from Laurens faces three counts of contempt of family court. Similarly, Thomas Stevenson from Clinton has been charged with domestic violence in the third degree along with possession of marijuana. Samuel Frye Jr. from Joanna was charged with domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature and resisting arrest, raising concerns about violent incidents within the community.
In addition, Charles Kinard from Clinton faces serious charges of grand larceny, involving property valued at $10,000 or more. A disturbing trend is apparent with multiple arrests tied to thefts and property crimes in the area, which includes Brian Knox also from Clinton, charged with shoplifting and trafficking in meth or cocaine base.
Other individuals charged include Kendrick Johnson and Amber Woodard from Clinton, both associated with entering premises after being warned. Public disorderly conduct charges were also prevalent, with arrests including Chelsea Wylie from Gaffney and Stephanie Campbell from Greenville.
Weather on the day of these arrests saw partly cloudy skies with a high of 78°F. Winds were predominantly from the northeast at 10 to 15 mph, with a cooler night dropping to a low of 54°F.
Breakdown of Arrests
- Arthur Smith Jr. – Contempt of Family Court (3 counts) – Laurens
- Amber Woodard – Refused to leave premises, Clinton
- Chelsea Wylie – Public disorderly conduct, Gaffney
- David Anderson – Uninsured motor vehicle fee violation (1st offense), Laurens
- Daniel Brown – Assault & battery (3rd degree), Spartanburg
- Stevie Duncan – Assault & battery (3rd degree), Gray Court
- Ryan Jackson – Refused to leave premises, Clinton
- Kendrick Johnson – Public disorderly conduct, Clinton
- Charles Kinard – Grand larceny ($10,000+), Clinton
- Brian Knox – Multiple charges including violation of probation, entrance after being warned, shoplifting ($2,000 or less), trafficking in meth/cocaine (1st offense), Clinton
- Robert Robbs – Breach of peace, non-aggravated nature, Clinton
- Thomas Stevenson – Domestic violence (3rd degree), possession of marijuana (1st offense), Clinton
- Brittany West – Breach of peace, non-aggravated nature, Travelers Rest
- Charles Woodard – Petit/simple larceny ($2,000 or less), Enoree
- Samuel Frye Jr. – Domestic violence (3rd degree), resisting arrest, unlawful possession of machine guns, Joanna
- Ny’teria Curry – Driving under suspension (1st offense), Greenwood
- Stephanie Campbell – Public disorderly conduct, Greenville
- Curtis Burnside – Public disorderly conduct, Laurens
- Marvin Blanco – Larceny of bicycles (<$2,000), assault & battery (3rd degree), Laurens
- Kevin Avery – Sale/delivery of stolen pistol, possession by unlawful persons, Clinton
- Charles Arrowood – Domestic violence (2nd degree), Kinards
- Kiereny Allen – Domestic violence of high and aggravated nature, Laurens
Context and Concerns
The rise in arrests for domestic violence and property crimes raises alarm within the community. Police officials emphasize that any information presented does not imply guilt or innocence as investigations continue. The data was compiled from records provided by the Laurens Police Department, Clinton Police Department, Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, and Johnson Detention Center.
As authorities work to prevent future occurrences of such violence and crime, community engagement and outreach programs become essential in cultivating a safer environment for residents throughout Laurens County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of charges were most common in recent arrests in Laurens County?
What steps are law enforcement agencies taking to address rising crime?
Key Features of Recent Arrests
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Arrests | 20 |
| Most Common Charges | Domestic Violence, Larceny, Public Disorderly Conduct |
| Weather on Arrest Day | Partly Cloudy, High of 78°F, Low of 54°F |
| Law Enforcement Agencies Involved | Laurens Police, Clinton Police, Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson Detention Center |
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Additional Resources
- Laurens County Arrest Report – September 6
- Laurens County Arrest Report – September 5
- Laurens County Arrest Report – July 22
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lacey Act
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.
