In May of this year, an investigation was started in reference to an allegation of sexual assault. Investigators received information that a child under the age of 10 was alledgedly groped and fondled at a residence in Joanna. After further investigation and interviews with parties involved, Joe Thomas Whitmire, 73, of 322 Cora Street in Laurens was arrested on June 17 and charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor. He currently remains in the Johnson Detention Center.

On June 13th at approximately 1PM, deputies responded to the 300 block of Hilltop Drive in Fountain Inn. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office had initiated a traffic stop on two individuals in their jurisdiction, recovering a large sum of cash as well as Heroin, over 100 grams of Meth, and numerous controlled narcotics from inside the vehicle. These individuals are residents of the Hilltop Drive address in Laurens County and due to the nature of the items recovered during t

On June 8th at approximately 11AM, deputies responded to the Days Inn on Highway 56 in Clinton to provide assistance to the Clinton Police Department. Clinton PD was on scene serving an arrest warrant on Charles Michael Roberts Jr. Once entry was made into the room, a bag containing methamphetamine was observed in plain sight, leading deputies to search further. The following items were located: -Methamphetamine- 395 grams -LSD Strips -Schedule IV Substance (Alprazolam) -Hero

On June 5th at approximately 7:15AM, deputies responded to the 4000 block of North Old Laurens Road in Gray Court in reference to an armed robbery that had already occurred. Upon arrival, deputies detected an odor of marijuana coming from the residence. A search warrant was obtained and the following items were discovered and seized: -140 pills (Oxycodone, Xanax, Ecstasy, Heroin/Fentanyl -Approximately 54 grams of Meth -Approximately 26 grams of Marijuana -A firearm and ammo