Charleston Woman Compensated for False Arrest Amidst Invalid Warrant Claim

Charleston Woman Receives Compensation After Claiming False Arrest

In a recent development, a Charleston woman, Sheri Methvin, has received financial compensation from the state’s Insurance Reserve Fund following a lawsuit alleging false arrest due to an invalid warrant. The arrest took place in March of 2022, and the subsequent legal proceedings have concluded with a payout in Methvin’s favour.

Details of the Incident

Methvin was stopped by a City of Charleston police officer on Clements Ferry due to her vehicle’s tinted windshield. Upon running a check on her driver’s license, the officer detected an outstanding bench warrant that was issued back in 2012. As a result, Methvin was arrested and held at Berkeley County Detention Center overnight, until the following day.

The Lawsuit and Its Claims

However, according to Methvin’s lawsuit against Orangeburg County, the warrant that led to her arrest had been cancelled in 2015, rendering her arrest invalid. The lawsuit alleges the Orangeburg County failed to appropriately document the warrant’s cancellation, which resulted in the arrest.

A bench warrant is typically issued when a subject fails to comply with court requirements, such as appearing for a scheduled court date. Methvin’s lawsuit suggests she was detained due to an administrative oversight from Orangeburg County, as the bench warrant in her name should have been deactivated since 2015.

Financial Compensation

The state’s Insurance Reserve Fund has paid Methvin a substantial amount in compensation for her ordeal. The exact amount, however, is not currently disclosed. This compensation comes as a result of the allegedly wrongful arrest caused by the presumed invalid bench warrant.

Orangeburg County’s Response

As of now, Orangeburg County’s official comment on the situation remains awaited. The county administration, alleged in the lawsuit to have failed in its duty of accurately documenting the cancellation of warrants, has not issued any statement on this matter.

Implications of the Case

This case underscores the importance of accurate record-keeping within law enforcement agencies, as procedural errors can lead to instances of perceived wrongful arrests and associated legal action. Resulting lawsuits and subsequent financial penalties, such as in Methvin’s case, can have significant implications, impacting both the parties involved and the reputation of the associated administrative bodies.

For Methvin, this victory represents justice for the wrongful arrest she suffered and potentially prompts a closer examination of processes within Orangeburg County or similar counties where warrants are issued and managed.