South Carolina Trooper Accused of Sexual Assault by Caregiver During Recovery
LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. – A South Carolina state trooper recovering from serious injuries sustained in a September traffic crash is now the subject of a sexual assault investigation involving a caregiver, according to a report obtained by WIS.
The trooper, identified as LaBounty, was injured while conducting a traffic stop on Augusta Road.He spent weeks hospitalized and recently returned home to continue rehabilitation and physical therapy.
According to an investigator’s report, a caregiver told authorities that LaBounty made an unwanted advance toward her while she was providing care at his home. The aide stated LaBounty abruptly stopped an interaction, allowing her to gather her belongings and leave.As she departed, she alleges he said, “what happens in this house stays in this house.”
The caregiver reported the incident after calling out of her scheduled weekend work. She also claims LaBounty confided to another caregiver the following day that he had made an advance the night before.
The South Carolina Department of public Safety (SCDPS) confirmed it was aware of the allegations but declined to comment further. A spokesperson clarified that while troopers are sometimes provided for “emotional and physical support” to officers recovering from line-of-duty injuries, this is not an official policy requiring a trooper’s presence during caregiver visits.
LaBounty remains on extended medical leave. His attorney, Robert Goings, stated they learned of the allegations Tuesday and, due to LaBounty being in an inpatient rehabilitation facility, are currently unable to respond. goings added that the allegations are ”fully out of character” for the trooper.
The allegations surface days after LaBounty filed a lawsuit claiming the lexington County Sheriff’s Department, along with two other drivers, shares obligation for the crash that caused his injuries.
This is a developing story.