Sumter police arrest 4 people on looting charges
If you think it's all right to take things left by the curb for the flood clean up, you better think again.
Four people are in jail on looting charges for taking items placed on the edge of yards in flood ravaged neighborhoods in the city, according to a press release from the Sumter Police Department..
At about 10:30 p.m. Saturday, a white van and a black Ford Escape were seen by an officer in the Shadow/Clematis Trails area where homes were damaged during the recent flood.
Additional officers were called and after conducting a traffic stop, one of the suspects told police they were looking for items on the side of the road to take home.
Under South Carolina law, such activity is considered looting during a State of Emergency. Anyone suspected of entering property of another without legal authority and with criminal
intent, damages property of another person, or takes possession of or disturbs someone’s property is subject to prosecution for looting, a felony charge, the release stated.
Those convicted can face a fine and/or imprisonment.
“This law is in place to protect the state’s citizens during some of the most challenging times like what we just experienced in Sumter,” Chief Russell F. Roark III said. “We ask that we come together as one to help our neighbors and to show respect for each other’s belongings as we work to recover.
“We will charge and seek prosecution to the fullest extent of the law if we arrest anyone for looting,” he added.
Christopher Welch, 33, and April Welch, 32, both of 1142 Manning Road, and Phillip Miles, 32, and Sherry Miles, 28 (DOB: 2/3/88), both of 1820 Mulberry Church Road, are all charged with looting.
Christopher Welch is additionally charged with contempt of family court and April Welch is additionally charged with fugitive from justice.
All four suspects remain in the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center pending bond.
Anyone who suspects someone of looting is asked to call the Sumter Police Department at (803) 436-2700. Tips can also be given anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (803) 436-2718 or
1-888-CRIME-SC.