Retired Camden police officer surrenders over assault and misconduct in office charges

CAMDEN, S.C. (WIS) - According to the Camden Police Department (CPD), a retired officer voluntarily surrendered to special agents from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division at the Kershaw County Detention Center on Wednesday.

James Steele is charged with assault and battery and misconduct in office from an incident that CPD said happened in November 2019.

A Kershaw County judge gave Steele two $10,000 personal recognizances bonds, meaning no money is required to be put down.

He is also prohibited from contacting the victim.

Defense attorney Zack Atkinson represented Steele at the bond hearing.

He declined to comment but told the judge Steele has fully cooperated with law enforcement.

The SLED warrants for Steele state Steele punched a suspect across the face while holding his handcuffs.

A source with knowledge of the situation provided WIS a video of body camera footage of the incident. A warning, the video is violent.

Camden Police Department records show leadership did issue a written reprimand for the incident and required additional use of force training.

Atkinson told the judge an anonymous complaint led to SLED’s criminal investigation.

The police department is under new leadership now. Interim Chief Darren Norris released a statement stating the department has cooperated with SLED.

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