By PSA Newsroom Staff
Elloree S.C. – A lawsuit in Orangeburg County is turning heads, and for good reason. It’s a real-life example of how regular people can use the courts to make sure government officials play by the rules. This kind of accountability isn’t just important; it’s the backbone of democracy in South Carolina.
Back in January 2024, a resident of Elloree, who lives in Orangeburg County, took action. He filed a lawsuit in the Court of Common Pleas against Shawn Murphree, the then Chief of Police and the Elloree Police Department. The case relied on the South Carolina Tort Claims Act and the state constitution, all because of something that happened on July 26, 2022.
Here’s what went down: The plaintiff was at work when his wife told him about a fight happening nearby. He went outside, saw a man who looked badly hurt, and tried to get help. First, he tried to get bystanders involved. When that didn’t work, he went straight to Elloree Town Hall, where the police department is located, hoping someone there could step in.
Instead of help, the lawsuit says, a town receptionist told the plaintiff to call the county sheriff’s office and ordered him to leave. The plaintiff refused, he wanted to talk to a police officer because the situation was urgent. Police staff came out, put him in handcuffs, and held him inside the building for a while. According to the complaint, they never gave him a warrant, a ticket, or any paperwork explaining why he’d been detained.
The lawsuit goes on: When then Chief Murphree finally arrived, he asked the plaintiff about something totally unrelated. Eventually, they let the plaintiff go, still without any explanation for his arrest or detention, and the man that the plaintiff was worried about, no one helped him, and the police never even looked into the fight.
The plaintiff’s lawsuit accused the police of false arrest, false imprisonment, and negligence in how they hire, train, and supervise their staff. He also claimed they violated his rights under the South Carolina Constitution, including the right to be free from unreasonable searches, seizures, and unlawful detention.
In the end, the court ruled in the plaintiff’s favor. The decision made it clear: Even police and town officials can be held accountable in court when they violate someone’s rights.
Legal experts and civil rights advocates say cases like this matter for everyone, not just the person who files the lawsuit. These actions shine a light on problems with training, procedures, and accountability in government. They also remind everyone that constitutional rights don’t stop at the city limits; they count in small towns, too.
This case is a wake-up call for people across South Carolina: Know your rights, and don’t be afraid to use the courts to challenge official misconduct. Sure, lawsuits take time and money, but they can spark real change, stop future abuses, and help rebuild trust in the legal system.
Bottom line? Government accountability doesn’t just happen. It takes people willing to speak up, demand answers, and make sure public officials follow the law, no matter how small the town.
PSA Newsroom Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is published for news, educational, and public-interest purposes only. PSA Newsroom does not provide legal advice, and nothing in this report should be interpreted as such. All facts presented are based on court filings, public records, and other available information at the time of publication.
The inclusion of this lawsuit or its outcome is not intended to defame, endorse, or condemn any individual, agency, or governmental entity. Allegations referenced herein reflect claims made in legal pleadings, and outcomes are reported to the extent they are matters of public record.
PSA Newsroom encourages civic engagement and informed public discourse. Readers are urged to conduct their own research and consult qualified legal counsel or appropriate authorities for guidance regarding specific legal matters.
