HARTSVILLE, SC (WMBF) A Hartsville Police Officer was arrested Thursday after witnesses say he threatened the lives of a South Carolina senator and the Chief of Police.
According to an arrest warrant issued by the State Law Enforcement Division, Sgt. Matthew Heater was charged with Misconduct in Office after witnesses say he "threatened the lives of Sen. Gerald Malloy and Chief James Hudson of the Hartsville Police Department while on duty" on or around May 12.
The affidavit goes on to say Heater admitted to the threats in a written statement given to SLED officers. Officials say Heater's written statement corroborated witnesses' statements, leading to the officer's arrest.
Senator Malloy presides over District 29, Chesterfield, Darlington, Lee and Marlboro Counties. He has been in public office since Nov. 5, 2002.
"I initiated an investigation into a report of alleged misconduct which led to the involvement of SLED and the charges Matthew Heater now faces," said Police Chief James Hudson. "I hold my officers and this department to a very high professional standard to ensure that the members of this community have confidence that they are receiving the best possible police service."
City Manager Natalie Zeigler said the allegations do not reflect the dedication and integrity of Hartsville officers. "Heater served the community for roughly 13 years and these allegations will undoubtedly bring a lot more attention to our officers, but it also brings an opportunity to strengthen the accountability of the Hartsville Police force and the commendable service they provide day after day," Zeigler said.
Heater was booked at the Darlington County Detention Center and has been terminated from the Hartsville police force, according to City spokesman Donald Quist.
Friends and neighbors of Heaters are surprised that someone they respect and trust would do such a thing.
"I'm shocked, very shocked... he's been a wonderful neighbor," said Tara Fields of Hartsville.
Hartsville City Officials say Heater was already being investigated by the police department for officer misconduct when SLED was asked to investigate.
An audio tape was released to city officials, then turned over to SLED, containing the threats Heater allegedly made to the chief and state senator.
"What we were looking for were separate things. The actual comments that were made were said in May and we weren't aware of those things... SLED discovered that in their investigation," said Quist.
Neighbors say that they still support the Hartsville Police Department but also support Heater. After serving for about 13 years, they can't imagine him doing something like this.
"He has my support. Now I'd like to know the whole story... Because he does not seem like the type. I'm sure it's a lot on him, he's got a wife, he's got kids and a home to take care of," said Fields.
Copyright 2011 WMBF News. All rights reserved.
Matthew Heater (Source: DCSO)
Hartsville Police Chief James Hudson (Source: Hartsvillesc.com)
Sen. Gerald Malloy (Source: http://www.scstatehouse.gov/members/bios/1131533956.html)
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