News Summary
Laurens County has witnessed multiple arrests linked to burglary, drug offenses, and exploitation of minors. Law enforcement’s intensified efforts are evident as a range of serious charges are brought against individuals from across the county. Notable cases include charges related to child pornography and other significant crimes, demonstrating a commitment to public safety and crime reduction in the community.
Laurens County, SC – Multiple arrests have occurred in Laurens County, resulting from various criminal charges including burglary, exploitation of minors, and drug-related offenses. The arrests, made known on May 13, 2025, involve individuals from several towns within the county, as law enforcement ramps up efforts to combat crime in the area.
The following individuals have been charged, reflecting a range of serious offenses:
- Brittany West, from Travelers Rest, SC, faces charges of third-degree burglary (1st offense).
- James Taylor, from Laurens, is charged with multiple counts regarding the obliteration, vandalization, or desecration of human burial grounds, along with two counts of simple larceny involving amounts of $2,000 or less.
- Robert Robbs, from Clinton, is charged with third-degree burglary (1st offense).
- Jerome Reynolds, from Clinton, faces three counts of failure to appear post-release for felony, and charges for littering, giving false information to law enforcement, and pedestrian on controlled access highway.
- Jeffrey Mongold, from Greenwood, SC, is charged with possession and sale of a stolen vehicle valued between $2,000 and $10,000, failure to stop for blue lights (1st offense), and possession of marijuana.
- Travis McGee, from Mountville, faces charges for first-degree burglary and malicious injury to animals/personal property (value $2,000 or less).
- Heather Malone, from Gray Court, is charged with distribution of methamphetamine (1st offense) and for manufacture or possession of controlled substances (1st offense).
- Shannon Lewis, from Gray Court, is charged with manufacturing/possessing controlled substances (1st offense), resisting arrest, and distribution of methamphetamine (1st offense).
- Jamarcus Tribble, from Laurens, faced charges for failure to appear (post-release for misdemeanor).
- Justin Messer, from Fountain Inn, is charged with malicious injury to animals/personal property, breach of peace (non-aggravated), and assault & battery (3rd degree).
- Timothy Merchant Jr., from Clinton, is charged with exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
- Angel Johnson, from Laurens, faces charges of obtaining signature or property under false pretenses (value $2,000 or less) and grand larceny (value over $2,000 but less than $10,000).
- Joshua Johnisee, from Clinton, is charged with malicious injury to animals/personal property, entering premises after warning, breach of peace, and assault on a police officer during arrest.
- Amanda Burton, from Fountain Inn, is charged with using a license plate other than the vehicle it was issued for, operating a vehicle not registered/licensed, and uninsured motor vehicle fee violation (1st offense).
- Harrison Bourne, from Greenwood, is charged with breach of trust with fraudulent intent (value $2,000 or less).
In a significant development, Attorney General Alan Wilson recently announced the arrests of Zachary Taylor Westmoreland (36) and Dennis Roland Fallaw Jr. (63) for possession and distribution of child pornography. Both individuals face multiple felony counts associated with the sexual exploitation of minors, underscoring the serious nature of these crimes. Westmoreland is charged with two counts of second-degree sexual exploitation and five counts of third-degree sexual exploitation, while Fallaw faces two counts of second-degree and three counts of third-degree sexual exploitation.
The arrests of Westmoreland and Fallaw took place on April 24 and April 30, 2025, respectively, and their cases are currently being prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.
This slew of arrests illustrates a robust law enforcement response to various crimes affecting Laurens County. Authorities have heightened efforts to address public safety concerns, particularly regarding violent crime, property offenses, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations.
In related news, today’s weather forecast for Laurens County predicts cloudy conditions with showers likely in the afternoon and a high temperature of 77°F. Winds will come from the SSW at 5 to 10 mph, with a 30% chance of rain later in the day, and lows tonight dropping to around 61°F.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge the community to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that may contribute to crime in the area.
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Additional Resources
- Laurens County Arrest Report – May 11
- Google Search: Laurens County crime report
- Wyff4: SC Men Charged with Child Pornography
- Wikipedia: Child pornography
- Laurens County Arrest Report – May 10
- Google News: Arrests in Laurens County
- Laurens County Arrest Report – May 9
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- WSPA: Burglary Arrests in Laurens County
- Google Scholar: Burglary crime in Laurens County
