FAIRFIELD COUNTY, SC (WIS) - A Fairfield County deputy has been charged after he could not account for several weapons and tactical equipment that were issued to him by the sheriff's office.
24-year-old Brandon Belton of Ridgeway is charged with Misconduct in Office and Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent. Belton was a deputy with the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office for approximately 3 years until he was terminated on September 9.
During a training class on September 9, Belton was scheduled to provide an inventory of his department-issued equipment. During that inventory, according to South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigators, Belton reported to a captain in the department that he was missing a fully automatic M-4 rifle, including magazines and ammunition, a Remington 870 shotgun and a duffle bag containing biohazard equipment.
Investigators said Belton's story about the missing equipment changed several times during the investigation.
The missing equipment is worth about $2,500.
As a result of the investigation, SLED agents arrested Belton on September 21. He was booked at the Fairfield County Detention Center and later bonded out.
Chief Deputy Keith Lewis said that the missing equipment still hasn't been recovered and the sheriff's office is offering a reward if anyone can help them locate it.
If you know where the missing equipment is, you are urged to call Crimestoppers 1-888-CRIMESC.
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Brandon Belton (Source: Fairfield County Detention Center)
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