Long time sheriff’s officer arrested

Warrants disclosed by “SLED” — the state police — show Charles Jeffrey Underwood, 48, a former Oconee sheriff’s officer, charged with misconduct in office and petty larceny. The following statement yesterday from Oconee Sheriff Mike Crenshaw:

“At approximately 12 Noon today, Captain Jeff
Underwood’s employment was terminated at the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office. Captain
Underwood began his employment with the Sheriff’s Office on September 23rd, 2002. Captain
Underwood had been the Captain of our Uniform Patrol Bureau since January 1st, 2013.”
“In March of this year, I placed Mr. Underwood on paid administrative leave and requested that
the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division conduct an investigation due to some
discrepancies discovered by our staff as it relates to our Pill Take Back Program. The Sheriff’s
Office internal controls discovered some red flags that began this investigation. Medication that
is collected, as part of this Program, is stored in a secure location within the Sheriff’s Office
separate from where our evidence is stored. At no time was any evidence in a criminal case
compromised as a result of this incident.”
“I was notified today of Mr. Underwood’s pending arrest and immediately moved forward with
his termination. SLED conducted the investigation and the prosecution of this case will be
conducted by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Mr. Underwood was booked into
the Oconee County Detention Center, by SLED, around 3:57pm today.”
“As part of our Mission Statement, our employees are expected to maintain the highest standards
of accountability. I hold each employee to this standard. Each employee understands that they
will be held accountable for their actions. The public holds law enforcement to a higher standard
and this is why we place emphasis on it in our Mission Statement.”
“Any further media questions related to this investigation will need to be addressed to the South
Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. The
Oconee County Sheriff’s Office will not be able to make further comment related to this
investigation until such a time as the case is fully adjudicated in a Court of law.”