A former Charleston police officer has been charged with misconduct in office after investigators say he had a sexual encounter with a resident while responding to a welfare check.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) arrested Stephen Austin Chavis, 27, of Johns Island, on Wednesday, Oct. 7. He was booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center in Charleston County.
What investigators say happened
According to an affidavit, Chavis was on duty with the Charleston Police Department on Aug. 28 when he was sent to a home on James Island for a welfare check.
Investigators say that while he was there, Chavis engaged in a sexual act with the resident he had been sent to check on.
The resident has not been publicly identified.
Fired from department
The Charleston Police Department said it learned about the allegation on Sept. 8. Chavis was placed on unpaid leave, and the department asked SLED to handle an independent criminal investigation.
An internal investigation found that Chavis broke department policy, and he was fired on Sept. 23.
Police Chief Chito Walker said in a statement, “The conduct substantiated through the investigation is unacceptable.” He added that officers are given authority and access because the public trusts them to use both responsibly.
Chavis had worked for the department for three years and was assigned to the Patrol Division.
Bond and court dates
A judge set a $25,000 personal recognizance bond the day of his arrest, meaning he did not have to pay to be released. Jail records show he is no longer in custody.
Chavis is scheduled to be back in court on Nov. 20, with another hearing set for March 19, 2027. The 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office will prosecute the case.
Chavis is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.
Sources: South Carolina Law Enforcement Division; Charleston Police Department; The State; Live 5 News