SLED completes investigation into Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office K9 death

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – State agents have completed their investigation into the death of a Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office K9 who was found dead in their handler’s vehicle over the summer.

According to newly sworn-in Dorchester County Sheriff Sam Richardson, K9 Orser’s handler will not be charged for his death after a briefing with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

 “The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office will be holding a private memorial service to honor K-9 Orser for his devoted service to the citizens of Dorchester County,” Sheriff Richardson continued.

SLED was asked to investigate in August after Orser was found dead in a vehicle that was not running on July 28, 2024. The temperature that day was 90 degrees.

The sheriff’s office completed an initial investigation before forwarding their findings to SLED, which completed an independent investigation. The Public Integrity Unit of the 1st and 14th Judicial Circuits decided to not pursue charges, according to a release from the sheriff’s office.

Social media posts regarding Orser’s death grew traction in August and called for more transparency surrounding the situation.

At the time, the sheriff’s office responded to the posts by saying although public details were limited due to the active investigation, they urged citizens to not believe everything they see on social media.