Former Lexington County deputy charged with illegal disclosure of information

LEXINGTON, S.C. – A former Lexington County deputy sheriff has been charged with sharing the personal information of private citizens last year.

Brandon William Jones, 32, allowed and facilitated the unlawful examination of private records to citizens and friends from Jan. 1, 2017, until July 5, 2017, according to an arrest warrant. An affidavit attached to the warrant said the private records included South Carolina driver’s license information, Sheriff’s Department call logs, traffic accident reports, crime scene photographs, incident reports and active investigation information.

“Immediately after we became aware of these records being used and shared improperly, we launched an internal review of Jones’ actions,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “Once we determined potential criminal activity took place, we notified the State Law Enforcement Division, as is our standard procedure. We do that when a current or former employee is involved to ensure an unbiased and thorough investigation.”

Jones, a West Columbia resident, was terminated Aug. 1, 2017, for violating department policy. He was hired as a deputy sheriff Oct. 12, 2015.

Jones was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center Friday morning after turning himself in to SLED agents.