Former Darlington Investigator arrested on Misconduct charges

Former Darlington police officer Anthony “Tony” Hayes was arrested today and charged with breach of trust and misconduct in office by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), following an investigation requested by Police Chief Jimmy Davis.

Hayes, who joined the department in 2018 and served as a lead investigator credited with solving numerous violent crimes, was taken into custody and booked at the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center shortly before 3 p.m. He is currently being held awaiting a bond hearing.

The charges are related to mishandling of evidence. Chief Davis confirmed that Hayes was initially placed on administrative leave following the allegations but is no longer employed with the department as of today.

A review of Hayes’ employment records at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy shows no previous infractions during his tenure with the police department.