LEXINGTON, S.C. — A 33-year-old former Lexington County Sheriff's deputy has been arrested after turning himself in after being accused of five counts of domestic violence.
Officers with South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) took Joshua Jones into custody on Monday, June 24, after he turned himself in to the Lexington County Sheriff's Department (LCSD). Arrest warrants issued on June 12 allege at least on five separate occasions between April 21, 2023, and May 12, 2024, Jones caused physical harm to the victim by punching with a closed fist, kicking, hitting the victim with thrown objects, and forcefully shoving them.
Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said, “When I became aware of Mr. Jones’ alleged conduct, I launched an internal investigation that led to his termination of employment and referral to SLED for an independent criminal investigation. Deputies are held to a higher standard as part of their duty to protect and engage community members. That’s why we hold them accountable when they fall short.”
Jones had been a deputy with LCSD since November 2020. He was terminated by Koon on June 13.
SLED is the investigating agency and the one to bring charges against Jones. The case will be prosecuted by the South Carolina Attorney General's Office.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, you can seek assistance through local law enforcement or one of the following organizations:
- Sistercare 803-926-0505
- South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA) 803-256-2900
- South Carolina Department of Social Services
- National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
- Columbia Women's Shelter 803-779-4706
- Grace's List 803-254-6470
- Joseph F Rice School of Law Domestic Violence Clinic