State agents charge Charleston County deputy with assault and battery

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – State agents have charged a Charleston County Juvenile Detention deputy for the alleged assault of a minor, law enforcement said Tuesday.

34-year-old Laquinta Sheneil Jefferson was charged with assault and battery in the third degree, the State Law Enforcement Division said.

The charge stems from an incident on June 8 where Jefferson allegedly placed her right hand around the victim’s neck “while trying to get the victim to comply with her orders,” an affidavit from SLED states.

The 17-year-old victim was in custody at the juvenile detention center when the incident occurred.

Jefferson was booked on Nov. 15 at the Charleston County Detention Center and released the same day on a $1,087 PR bond, jail records state.

The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office said they do not comment on pending litigation; however, Master Detention Deputy Laquinta Jefferson will stay on administrative leave with pay until the court proceedings are over.

Sheriff’s office spokeswoman Alexis Douglas said the office fully cooperates with SLED’s investigation.

Jefferson has been employed with the office since May 29, 2015.