Sheriff fires deputy over domestic violence charge

Laurens County Sheriff Larry Dean announced Monday that following an internal affairs investigation, a deputy who was placed on administrative leave for domestic violence charges last week, has been fired.

Dean said there was a couple of discrepancies in the case of Deputy Justin Padgett, who was arrested and charged with domestic violence and cruelty to children in the third degree, meaning a child was present during the incident that happened on Sunday, May 3.

According to LCSO Maj. Alan Baggett, deputies responded to a domestic call around 3 a.m. that day. They ended up arresting Padgett and transported him to the sheriff’s office.

Late Monday afternoon, Dean posted that because of the discrepancies, Padgett was placed on administrative leave pending the IA investigation. That investigation was completed, and Dean fired Padgett.

“I have been asked a couple of questions regarding this particular case,” Dean said. “It was said that Padgett had been charged before. This was not true. It was also said that Padgett was treated differently than another deputy by being placed on administrative leave instead of being terminated immediately because of race. This was also not true.”

Padgett was placed on administrative leave due to the circumstances surrounding the case, Dean said. He added that every incident is different and will always be dealt with as such. He has lost three deputies to domestic violence since becoming sheriff. He said the other two were fired the morning following their arrests due to the charges and circumstances.

“A law enforcement officer is held to a higher standard, as they should be,” Dean said. “However, I do ask that when posting negative comments about individuals who are arrested, please remember there are victims in these cases, as well as families and children involved.”