Marion County

Marion High School’s four student athletes signed to play at the next level on Tuesday, May 12, at noon, at the Marion High School gymnasium. Athletic Director DJ Kelly welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the event. Marion High School Principal Dr. Sam Tuten echoed the comments. Willie Cross, Jr., signed with Denmark Tech in baseball. AJ Stanley also signed with Denmark Tech in baseball. Charles White, II, signed with Cleveland Community College in basketball. Maliyah Williams signed with North Carolina A&T in softball. All of these student athletes thanked God, Family, and friends. PHOTO GALLERY Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC

A routine traffic stop for a headlight violation Monday night resulted in a drug arrest in Marion County. Adrian Olds Jr., 34, of Dillon, was taken into custody after Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a search of his vehicle, where 46 suspected ecstasy (MDMA) pills were allegedly found. Olds has been charged with: • Possession with intent to distribute Schedule I (B) & (C) narcotics (MDMA/ecstasy) • Driving under suspension (3rd or subsequent offense) The arrest was made by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, with assistance from the Narcotics Unit. *All individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

The Chesterfield Golden Rams shut out the Marion Swamp Foxes 8-0 in varsity baseball playoff action in Chesterfield on Tuesday, May 5. Chesterfield scored 2 runs in the bottom of the first inning, 2 runs in the second inning, a run in the third inning, 2 runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, and a run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Marion connected for 3 hits in the game but committed 6 errors in the game. Marion’s Jayden Hilbourne and Andre Stanley each had a single. Malachi Graham had 2 walks and stole a base in the game, and Willie Cross was hit by a pitch. The Swamp Foxes’ Nigel Smith pitched 6 innings and allowed 9 hits, 8 runs of which 3 were earned, walked no one, and struck out 4 of the 36 batters he faced. Chesterfield had 13 hits in the game. Bryce Adams had a double, 2 singles, a rbi, scored a run, and was hit by a pitch in his 4-plate appearances. Sawyer Blevins had a double, a single, was hit by a pitch, a rbi, in his 4-plate appearances. Levi Sullivan had 2 singles in his 3 at-bats. Max Gulledge had a single and scored 2 runs in his 4 at-bats. Easton Sellers had a single and a rbi in his 1 at-bat. Sky Courtney had a single, a rbi, and scored a run in his 4 at-bats. Parker Tolson had a single, 2 rbi, and scored a run in his 1 at-bat. Holden Lowery had a single, a rbi, was hit by a pitch, and scored 2 runs in his 4-plate appearances. Chesterfield’s Avery Keith had a stolen base. Chesterfield turned a double play by. B. Adams in the game. Chesterfield’s Bryce Adams pitched 3 innings. He allowed 2 hits, no runs, walked no one, and struck out 5 of the 12 batters he faced. Sawyer Blevins pitched 4 innings and allowed 1 hit, walked 2, and struck out 5 of the 14 batters he faced.

Pee Dee Academy defeated Florence Christian 15-3 in the run-ruled, 5-inning game played in Mullins on Thursday, April 30. Florence Christian scored a run in the top of the first inning. Pee Dee Academy scored 3 runs in the bottom of the first inning. Inning #2 was scoreless. In the bottom of the third inning, the Golden Eagles added a run. In the top of the fourth inning, Florence Christian scored 2 runs to cut Pee Dee Academy’s lead to 1 run, 4-3. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Pee Dee tacked on 11 runs. Pee Dee held Florence Christian scoreless in the top of the fifth inning to claim the win. Florence Christian committed 6 errors in the game while Pee Dee Academy committed only 1 error. Florence Christian had 7 hits in the game. Pee Dee Academy connected for 13 hits with G. Elliott with a double, 2 singles, 3 rbi, and scored 2 runs in his 3 at-bats. C. James had a single, a walk, was hit by a pitch on 2 different occasions, had a rbi, and scored 2 runs in his 4-plate appearances. Tristan Heckman had a home run, a single, arrived on base with an error, had 3 rbi, and scored 3 runs in his 4-plate appearances. C. Williamson had a double and a walk in his 2-plate appearances. M. Whittington had a single and scored 2 runs in his a at-bat. N. Byrd had 2 singles, a rbi, a walk, and scored a run in his 3-plate appearances. P. Adams had a single, 2 walks, and scored 2 runs in his 3-plate appearances. H. Lane had a double, a rbi, and scored a run in his 3 at-bats. B. Jones had a single, arrived on base with an error, 1 rbi, and scored 2 runs in his 4-plate appearances. C. Pursley had a sacrifice fly, a sacrifice bunt, arrived at base on an error, and a rbi in his 4-plate appearances. Pee Dee’s C. James, G. Elliott, and B. Jones each had 2 stolen bases while T. Heckman and P. Adams each had a stolen base. Pee Dee’s B. Jones pitched 3.1 innings and allowed 6 hits, 3 runs of which 2 were earned, walked 2, and struck out 3. H. Lane pitched 1.2 innings and allowed 1 hit of the 5 batters he faced. Support your team.

Marion County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 44-year-old Marshall Dewayne Jones of Gresham following an alleged assault on Johnson Loop. Jones is accused of pointing a loaded firearm at a victim and threatening to kill them. Jones is charged with first-degree assault and battery, possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person convicted of certain crimes (first offense), pointing and presenting a firearm, and possession of less than one gram of methamphetamine. Jones is currently being held at the Marion County Detention Center. *All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

East Clarendon won 11-1 over the visiting Marion Swamp Foxes in varsity baseball on Monday, April 27. The Wolverines took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Marion scored the lone run in the top of the second inning. East Clarendon added 3 runs in the bottom of the second inning, added a run in the bottom of the third, a run in the bottom of the fourth and 3 runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to claim the 11-1 win in the run-ruled 5-inning game. East Clarendon had 9 hits in the game with Braylon Hunt with 3 singles and 2 runs scored. Crosby Timmons had a home run, 3 rbi, and scored a run in his 2-plate appearances. Evan Lee had a double, a walk, and scored 2 runs in his 3-plate appearances. Kenley Sullivan had a double and a rbi in his 2 at-bats. Skyler Cornelius had a rbi in the game. Blease Hardy had a single and scored a run in his 2 at-bats. Easton Donlon had a double and scored a run in his 2-plate appearances. Wes Springs had a single, a walk, and scored 2 runs in his 3-plate appearances. The Wolverines’ Braylon Hunt, Wes Springs, and Evan Lee each had 2 stolen bases in the game while B. Hardy had a stolen base. East Clarendon made 2 errors in the game. The Wolverines’ Gavin White pitched 3 innings and allowed 1 hit, 1 earned run, 1 walk, and struck out 6 of the 11 batters he faced. Barnes McConnell pitched 1.2 innings and allowed no hits, no runs, and struck out 3 of the 6 batters he faced.

Marquise Terrell Worley, 24, of Mullins, was arrested following a traffic stop on April 24. Worley’s charges include driving under suspension as a habitual traffic offender, trafficking between 10 and 28 grams of methamphetamine or crack cocaine, possession of 15 units of ecstasy, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Authorities also served Worley with two bench warrants for failure to appear on prior charges. Under South Carolina law, drug trafficking is classified as a violent offense. Worley’s bond was denied in Marion County Summary Court because he was already out on two other bonds at the time of his arrest. He remains in custody at the Marion County Detention Center. **All individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

The Marion County Airport held the Third Annual Aviation Week Fly In – Drive In on Thursday, April 23, from 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. Dan E. Lockemy introduced Marion County Airport Director Charles Taylor who welcomed everyone to the event. Pastor James Smith of the East Dillon Baptist Church offered a prayer for the success of the event, the success of the Marion Airport, and offered a blessing for the food. Guest speakers included Marion County Administrator David Crotts, Marion County Superintendent Candace Bethea, and Chris Eversmann with the S.C. Aeronautics. Marion County Superintendent Candace Bethea informed everyone that beginning in August, 2026, the schools will be offering Aviation that will be taught by Jerry Bullard. This will be offered to Marion, Dillon, and Latta students. At a later date, there will be evening classes for adults. Everyone was invited to take pictures and have fellowship. Marion County Airport Director Charles Taylor thanked everyone for being there and everyone who had helped with the event. Taylor also invited everyone to enjoy the delicious meal that had been prepared. PHOTO GALLERY PHOTOS BY JOHNNIE DANIELS/THE DILLON COUNTY NEWS, LLC

Marion County Council Meeting held on 4-14-2026 at 8 a.m. If you couldn’t join, here’s the YouTube link. YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/OIqIiKLdwyw Please note: During the live stream of the meeting, audio will only be active while the County Council is in session. The sound will be muted during the Executive Session and will resume once they reconvene. When watching the recorded video later, you’ll see the full meeting, but parts with muted audio will remain silent.

The City of Marion Police Department has made an additional arrest in connection to a homicide that occurred during the first week of January 2026 involving Mr. David Hutchinson. On April 22, 2026, Thomas Lee Brigman, Jr. was arrested and charged with Accessory After the Fact of Murder in relation to this ongoing investigation. Mr. Brigman’s bond was set at $15,000 surety bond. This arrest is part of the continued efforts by investigators to bring all individuals involved in this case to justice. The investigation remains active, and additional charges or arrests may be forthcoming. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the City of Marion Police Department at 843-423-8616 or submit information through the department’s mobile app. Tips may be provided anonymously.

The City of Marion Police Department has made an arrest in connection to a violent incident that occurred on March 31, 2026, on West Bond Street in Marion, South Carolina. On April 22, 2026, Daniel Sidney Howard, Jr. was arrested and charged with the following offenses: –Attempted Murder –Criminal Sexual Conduct, 1st Degree (2 counts) –Domestic Violence, High and Aggravated (2 counts) –Kidnapping (2 counts) Due to the severity of the charges, bond has been denied on all charges at this time. This case remains under active investigation. The City of Marion Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of the community and pursuing justice for victims of violent crime. Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the City of Marion Police Department at 843-423-8616 or submit information through the department’s mobile app. Tips may be provided anonymously.

The City of Marion Police Department has made arrests in connection with a homicide that occurred during the first week of January 2026. On April 21, 2026, Shaiquan Ramaal Foxworth (31), of Marion, was arrested and charged in the murder of Mr. David Hutchinson. Mr. Hutchinson’s body was discovered inside a trash can that had been placed behind an abandoned residence on Pearl Street. Mr. Foxworth has been charged with the following offenses: -Murder (No bond set at this time) -Desecration or Removal of Human Remains ($10,000 bond) -Conspiracy ($5,000 bond) -Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime ($5,000 bond) -Discharging a Firearm within City Limits ($1,087.50 bond) His total bond has been set at $21,087.50. No bond has been set on the Murder charge, which will be determined at a later date by a Circuit Court Judge. Additionally, Travis Jermaine Godbolt (31), who is currently being held at the Marion County Detention Center on unrelated charges, has also been charged in connection with Mr. Hutchinson’s death. His charges include: -Murder (No bond set at this time) -Desecration or Removal of Human Remains ($10,000 bond) -Conspiracy ($5,000 bond) Mr. Godbolt’s bond has been set at $15,000. As with Mr. Foxworth, no bond has been set on the Murder charge and will be determined by a Circuit Court Judge at a later date. This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Marion Police Department at 843-423-8616 or submit information through the department’s mobile app. Tips may be provided anonymously. Thank you to our community for your help and cooperation with this senseless act of violence. Your help provided us the needed information for these arrests and to help bring some sense of closure for the family in Massachusetts. They also want to thank you all for working with us to help bring justice for their son and brother.

Mr. Antoine James Killings of Marion, SC (38 years old) was arrested and charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine – 3rd Offense, Trafficking Crack Cocaine – 3rd Offense, Trafficking Cocaine Base – 3rd Offense, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana – 1st Offense, Possession of a Schedule II Substance – 3rd Offense, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Violent Crime. Mr. Killings is currently being held at the Marion County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing. The Marion Police Drug Unit has received numerous complaints of suspected drug activity at 504 Annie Ave., Marion, SC. These concerns from the citizens approached law enforcement on their own accord, with no motive to disseminate information other than their concern for the well-being of the surrounding neighborhood. The confidentiality of the citizens are paramount due to their close ties to the neighborhood along with the fear of retribution against their actions of good will.

Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office have arrested 17-year-old Douglas Isaiah Ford of Dillon. Investigators with the Criminal Investigation Division have charged Ford with attempted murder. Authorities allege that on April 4, Ford fired multiple shots into an occupied vehicle while it was on Rhedin Road in Marion County. Ford remains in custody at this time. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Source: Marion County Sheriff’s Office In the early morning hours of March 29, 2026, Mr. Jeremiah Kenneth Beneke of Marion (19 years of age) allegedly burglarized Swamp Fox Outdoors and fled the scene with approximately 32 firearms. After investigation, Mr. Beneke was identified and later located in Dillon, SC, where he was arrested for Burglary (Violent) – 2nd Degree, Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime, and Grand Larceny. Bond was set at $45,000 (Burglary (Violent) – 2nd Degree – $20,000, Possession of a Weapon – $10,000, Grand Larceny – $15,000). The Marion Police Department thanks the community for its assistance. Agencies involved include Marion County Sheriff’s Office-South Carolina, Dillon County Sheriff’s Office, Dillon Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The investigation is ongoing. If you may have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Marion Police Department at 843-423-8616. You may remain anonymous.

Marion County will conduct mosquito spraying beginning April 27, 2026, and continuing for several days thereafter. Spraying will take place between the hours of 5:30 PM and 10:30 PM. The chemicals used for mosquito control are approved by the EPA and pose minimal risk to humans and animals. As a precaution, individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions may wish to remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed during spraying hours. Residents are also encouraged to wash, scrub, and/or peel homegrown fruits and vegetables before consumption. Protect Yourself from Mosquito-Borne Illnesses: Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 Ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens Eliminate standing water around your property (flowerpots, buckets, gutters, etc.) Wear light-colored clothing to reduce exposure to bites Attention Beekeepers: Please contact Charles Taylor at (843) 423-8265 or ctaylor@marionsc.org to provide the location of your bee hives, even if previously reported. If you have any questions, please contact the Marion County Airport Office. Thank you for your cooperation as we work to protect the health and safety of our community. Adv.

WANTED: Lorenzo Emanuel Jones, 21, of Mullins, in connection with the March 23rd murder at the 41 Grocery convenience store in Marion County. *Do not approach. Possibly armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about Lorenzo Jones’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office 24-hour non-emergency line 843-423-8399.

The Marion Swamp Foxes won 14-4 over the Mullins Auctioneers on Friday, March 20, in Marion. Mullins placed 2 runs onto the scoreboard in the top of the first inning to take an early 2-0 lead. However, Marion responded with 2 runs of their own in the bottom of the first inning to tie the score at 2. Mullins was held scoreless in the top of the second inning while Marion added 4 runs to go up 6-2. Mullins responded with 2 runs in the top of the third inning to cut Marion’s lead to 2, 6-4. Marion added 4 runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, a run in the bottom of the fifth inning, and 3 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to close out the game in the run-ruled sixth inning. Mullins’ Andre Littlejohn had 2 doubles, a single, a stolen base, and scored a run. Jadae McGill had a double, a single, a stolen base, and scored a run. J. Hayes had 2 singles and a rbi. J. Garrett had a single and scored a run. L. Gerald had a single. Q. Stevenson had a single, was hit by a pitch, and a rbi. C. Cornejo and B. Jonap each was hit by a pitch. Andre Littlejohn, B. Jonap, J. McGill, and J. Garrett each had a stolen base. Mullins’ L. Gerald pitched 5 innings. He allowed 8 hits, 11 runs of which 7 were earned, struck out 6, and walked 5. B. Jonap pitched .2 inning and allowed 1 hit and 2 unearned runs. Marion, 4-3, will host the 7-0 Atlantic Collegiate Academy on Tuesday, March 24. Mullins will travel to Lake City on Tuesday, March 24, at 6:30 p.m. Support your team.