News Summary
A 70-year-old man, David L. Stuckey, has been arrested in Lexington County for allegedly impersonating a law enforcement officer. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division reported that Stuckey falsely claimed to be a SLED agent during phone calls to authorities in Florida and Anderson County. Investigations revealed he had no current affiliation with SLED or any law enforcement agency. Impersonating a law officer can pose serious risks to public safety and erodes trust in law enforcement agencies.
Lexington County, SC – A man has been arrested in Lexington County for allegedly impersonating a law enforcement officer. David L. Stuckey, 70, faces two counts of impersonation following incidents that took place on July 9 and July 10, 2023.
According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Stuckey contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on July 9 and claimed to be an undercover SLED special agent conducting an investigation into a theft case involving stolen items being transported from South Carolina to Florida. During the call, Stuckey was asked for identification and responded by emailing a photo of a SLED badge, where he identified himself as a SLED agent. He concluded the email with a statement saying he would provide investigation results upon request.
The following day, July 10, Stuckey allegedly called the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, claiming he was investigating a theft of his “state”-issued firearm from his “undercover police car.” He followed up this call with a text message that identified him as “David Stuckey with SLED.” Authorities investigated the claims and determined that Stuckey had never been employed by SLED.
Both phone calls made by Stuckey originated from his home in Lexington County. Investigations revealed that although Stuckey had a brief employment history with the Columbia Police Department from 1970 to 1973, he had no current affiliation with any law enforcement agency.
Stuckey was subsequently arrested and taken into custody where he was booked into the Lexington County jail. The investigation was supported by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. The case will be prosecuted by the 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
The incidents raised concerns about the implications of impersonating a law enforcement officer, which can undermine the trust in law enforcement agencies and create risks for both public safety and officer integrity. Individuals found guilty of such offenses can face severe penalties under South Carolina law, emphasizing the seriousness with which impersonation allegations are treated.
Authorities continue to remind the public about the importance of verifying the identity of anyone claiming to be a law enforcement officer. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or communications that seem inconsistent or misleading. They can reach out directly to their local police or sheriff’s department if they believe someone is impersonating law enforcement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
FBI Warns of Rising Government Impersonation Scams in SC
Additional Resources
- WLTX: Impersonating SLED Agent Arrest
- Wikipedia: Law Enforcement in the United States
- Lexington County Sheriff: Fentanyl Trafficking Charges
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- WIS TV: Man Charged After Drug Buys
- Google Search: Impersonation of Law Enforcement Officer
- WACH: Lexington County Man Charged with Sexual Conduct
- Google News: South Carolina Law Enforcement
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.
