Series of Arrests in Laurens County Raises Public Safety Concerns

Laurens County, SC, August 19, 2025

News Summary

On August 19, Laurens County witnesses multiple arrests, including charges of larceny, assault, and vehicle infractions. Among those apprehended was Jessica Boyce, facing petty larceny charges, while others like Mark Aiken and Dumarcus Franklin confronted serious allegations. This surge in criminal activity coincides with community events, including a book launch celebrating local history, highlighting the balance between public safety and cultural pride.

Laurens County, SC experienced a series of arrests on August 19, 2025, with multiple individuals facing various criminal charges, including larceny, assault, and vehicle infractions. The Laurens Police Department, along with local law enforcement agencies, reported frequent criminal activities leading to the apprehension of the involved parties.

Among the individuals arrested, Jessica Boyce from Clinton was charged with petty or simple larceny, with the item value reported to be $2000 or less. Mark Aiken from Gray Court faced charges of Assault & Battery in the third degree, reflecting growing concerns about public safety in the area. In addition, Thomas Cannon from Clinton was arrested for operating or permitting the use of an unregistered and unlicensed vehicle.

Further complicating the day’s events, Dumarcus Franklin from Laurens was charged with two serious offenses: malicious injury to animals or personal property with damage valued between $2000 and $10,000, and grand larceny exceeding $2000 but less than $10,000. Additionally, Jessica Ginn from Greenville was arrested for entering premises after being warned or refusing to leave when asked by authorities.

In another notable event scheduled for the same day, the road closure of KY 696 in Clinton County is set to occur from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. for cross-drain replacement. Traffic delays are anticipated due to this temporary closure, which may affect local commuters.

Coincidentally, August 19 marks not only the series of arrests but also a celebration of the city’s history with the book launch of “The Boy Next Door: My Sixty-Year Friendship with Bill Clinton” by Carolyn Staley, slated for the afternoon at the Clinton Presidential Center. This milestone coincides with Clinton’s 79th birthday, making it a significant day for the community and attendees.

The book captures Staley’s lifelong relationship with Bill Clinton, providing insights into their friendship from childhood through significant life events, including Clinton’s presidency. As noted by local commentators, this representation underscores not only personal ties but also political history in the region.

In a different setting, a separate incident involves Jason Edward Barnes from Clinton Township, Michigan, who is set to be sentenced on the same day after pleading no contest to charges of impersonating emergency personnel. Barnes has been linked to several occasions where he acted as a first responder at active crime scenes, which has drawn criticism from authorities concerned about public trust.

The weather forecast for August 19 indicates cloudy skies in the morning, transitioning to partly cloudy conditions with expected high temperatures around 85°F. Light winds will prevail, and there may be a stray shower or thunderstorm early in the day, with lows near 70°F.

Background Context

The arrests and events taking place on August 19 encapsulate a day of both criminal activity and community celebration in Laurens County. While law enforcement continues to combat crime in the area, the cultural events signify resilience and local engagement. These occurrences illustrate the balance between public safety and community pride, showcasing the dynamics within the region.

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Additional Resources

• Clinton Herald: Stocks
• Wikipedia: Criminal Activity
• Laker Country: Temporary Road Closure
• Google Search: Road Closure KY 696
• Arkansas Times: Carolyn Staley
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bill Clinton
• KOMO News: Hillary Clinton Email Investigation
• Google News: Hillary Clinton

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.