CAMDEN, S.C. — The former dean of students at Camden Military Academy has been arrested and charged after allegedly requesting explicit photos from a juvenile at the school.
Warrants secured by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) said that, in mid-September, 53-year-old John Anthony Heflin "did induce, entice, and persuade" the victim to send him an inappropriate picture through Snapchat while the victim was at Camden Military Academy. The warrant states that Heflin previously engaged in "sexually explicit conversations" with the victim, which the victim said had continued since 2022.
The warrant states that Heflin later called the victim to his office and apologized for the explicit messages. At the request of the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office, SLED investigated and later arrested Heflin for criminal solicitation of a minor on Sept. 26.
The sheriff's office said in a statement that it immediately forwarded the case to SLED after being tipped off to the incident by Camden Military Academy. The academy said it immediately terminated the staff member after notifying its school resource officer and the sheriff's office of the allegations.
The academy said it is "committed to providing a safe learning environment for all of our cadets."
"Our cadets' emotional, mental, and physical welfare and safety have been and will always remain our top priority," Camden Military Academy added.
Anyone with information about the investigation into Heflin can contact SLED at 803-896-2605 or tips@sled.sc.gov. The agency also urged anyone who is or knows a victim involved in the case to contact them.
"SLED recognizes it may be difficult to come forward," the agency said. "Please know that survivor resources are available."
