Charleston County deputy arrested for 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor

[Artaxerxes II]

https://abcnews4.com/news/local/charles ... 01-15-2025

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — A local law enforcement deputy with the Charleston County Sheriff's Office was arrested Wednesday for charges related to sexual exploitation of a minor.

Charleston County jail records show Master Limited Duty Deputy Darren R. Kerner was arrested and charged with 10 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. He has worked with the Charleston County Sheriff's Office since May 2003.

In a statement from the sheriff's office, Sheriff Carl Ritchie said actions of Kerner's nature will "never be tolerated, especially within our agency."

According to the Charleston County Sheriff's Office Director of Communications, Kerner was terminated from his position the minute he was arrested.

"We take this matter very seriously and will continue to cooperate with our surrounding agencies and authorities in their investigation," Ritchie said.

Kerner was arrested by the Charleston Police Department, which is tasked to lead the investigation into the matter. At a bond hearing Thursday, Kerner was given $10,000 for each count, totaling $100,000.