News Summary
Lexington is buzzing with news as a former employee of the Sheriff’s Department is arrested for alleged fraud, while Whataburger prepares to open its second location in the community. Shekinah Brown faces legal troubles for manipulating time sheets, while the upcoming Whataburger at 5440 Platt Springs Road promises exciting promotions for its grand opening on April 10, 2024. These developments highlight both the serious and celebratory moments happening in Lexington.
Exciting Happenings in Lexington: Fraud Arrest and Whataburger Opening!
Hey there, Lexington! We’ve got some buzzing news that’ll keep you intrigued—just like a double cheeseburger from *Whataburger*! From an arrest tied to the Sheriff’s Department to the grand opening of a beloved fast-food spot, let’s dive into the latest happenings in our lovely town.
Fraud Frenzy: Sheriff’s Employee in Hot Water
First up, we’ve got a bit of a scandal brewing at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Shekinah Shyann Sade Brown, just 24 years old, has found herself behind bars (but only temporarily!). Brown, who previously worked as an administrative employee, was arrested for allegedly committing fraud with false time sheets throughout her short time with the department.
After the Sheriff became aware of her questionable actions, he immediately passed the baton to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to conduct a thorough investigation. There’s always a strong emphasis on integrity and accountability in law enforcement, and it’s clear the Sheriff intends to maintain those standards. Brown’s career with the department started in March 2023, but just months later, she resigned in October 2024, only to find herself in this precarious position.
After turning herself in at the Sheriff’s Department headquarters, Brown was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center but was released on a personal recognizance bond shortly afterward. Let’s remember, it’s always important to treat these situations with sensitivity, as everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
New Whataburger Location Making Waves
Now, let’s switch gears and talk about some fantastic news for food lovers! Get your appetites ready because Whataburger is throwing open its doors for a *new location* at 5440 Platt Springs Road in Red Bank on April 10, 2024. Guess what? This is only the second Whataburger in Lexington, following a recent opening in February at 888 S. Lake Drive.
When this new joint opens, you can expect a delightful dining experience complete with a *double drive-thru*, lots of seating, and *digital menu boards*. But that’s not all! The interior will be adorned with a special mural celebrating all things South Carolina and Lexington. Sounds like a feast for both the eyes and the stomach!
Belinda Martinez will be at the helm as the operator of the new Whataburger, which is set to hire around *85 staff members*. And if that’s not enough to get you excited, the first two customers in the drive-thru and dining room will receive “*free Whataburger for a year*.” Plus, the first 100 customers will snag a complimentary *honey butter chicken biscuit*, while the next 100 will grab some special “Whataburger swag.” It’s a winning situation for all who are able to make it on opening day!
Tragic Accident and Lawsuit in the Mix
On a more somber note, Lexington Police are currently investigating a tragic accident that occurred near downtown on April 1, 2024. The unfortunate incident took place in front of the Lexington Pavilion shopping center. Margie Hayden Cook, a 70-year-old resident of Pelion, lost her life after being hit while pulling out of the parking lot. Another driver involved was rushed to a hospital but thankfully sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Add to this a *developing lawsuit* against Lexington Medical Center regarding a patient’s death. Judy Chambers, who underwent hernia repair surgery back in August 2023, faced complications afterward that went unaddressed, leading to her tragic passing at home due to acute esophageal necrosis. The lawsuit contends that timely intervention by the nursing staff could have changed the outcome significantly.
As you can see, there’s never a dull moment in Lexington! Whether it’s the unfortunate situation involving a former officer or the exciting addition of Whataburger to our community, keep your ears open and your eyes peeled for more news as it unfolds!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cayce to Host New Techo-Bloc Facility Creating Jobs
Tragic Collision on Sunset Boulevard Claims One Life
Deadline for Real ID Enforcement Approaches: What Travelers Need to Know
President Trump’s Tariff Policies Under Review
Trump’s Tariff Policy Causes Economic Unrest
Mandatory Evacuations Ordered as Fires Rage Near Greenville and Pickens Counties
South Carolina’s Historic Execution by Firing Squad
Columbia Faces Traffic Safety Dilemmas Following Recent Hit-and-Run Incidents
Tragic Accident in Chesterfield County Claims Life
Myrtle Beach Woman Arrested for Starting Massive Wildfire
Additional Resources
- Lexington County Sheriff’s Department News Release
- The State: Former Employee Charged
- WIS TV: Lawsuit After Surgery Complications
- Google Search: Lexington SC news
- Wikipedia: Lexington, South Carolina

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.


