Four employees fired from a sheriff’s office in the Midlands, sheriff says
Four employees of the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office were fired after an internal investigation revealed several instances of misconduct among the squad, according to a news release.
Those fired included former Ssgt. Kyle Burkett, Deputy Ashley Meyer, Hannah Lamb and Taylor Cable, who were both dispatchers for the sheriff’s office. Burkett was terminated Wednesday while the other three were let go Friday, according to the release.
The firings stem from an internal investigation that began after allegations of misconduct were levied against Burkett, Meyer, Lamb and Cable.
The investigation revealed Burkett had engaged in sexual activity with an off-duty dispatcher and an off-duty deputy.
In addition, Meyer, Lamb and Cable were found to have visited an establishment in Aiken County, where they consumed alcohol on April 18. Although it’s unclear who, one of the dispatchers is under the age of 21 and was provided alcohol by two other employees, the release said.
Meyer then got in her personal vehicle, “after drinking an excessive amount of alcohol,” while Burkett — in uniform — followed her home in his patrol vehicle.
None of the employees were criminally charged. However, a finding of misconduct in office against each former employee will be forwarded to the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, which could negatively impact their certifications, according to the release.
