Beaufort, August 30, 2025
News Summary
David Johnathon Shytle, Jr., a Beaufort County parole officer, faces multiple charges including second-degree assault and battery, along with misconduct in office. Allegations include inappropriate communications and nonconsensual touching of parolees. Shytle was arrested following an investigation by SLED and was released on bond. The case raises concerns about ethical conduct within the parole system and will be prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Parole Officer Charged with Multiple Counts of Assault and Misconduct
David Johnathon Shytle, Jr., a 47-year-old parole officer from Beaufort County, has been charged with serious offenses including two counts of second-degree assault and battery and five counts of misconduct in office. The charges stem from multiple incidents that allegedly occurred while he was performing his duties for the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardons.
According to legal documents, the alleged misconduct took place between August 23, 2024, and April 4, 2025. Shytle is accused of sending inappropriate images and texts to individuals who were under his supervision as parolees. In particularly alarming claims, he is accused of nonconsensual touching of victims’ private parts, which included acts of grabbing and licking.
The most recent alleged incident of nonconsensual touching occurred on March 14, 2025. Previous incidents referenced in the arrest documents were reported to have taken place between November 13, 2024, and March 7, 2025.
Shytle was arrested by the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on August 28, 2025, following a thorough investigation. Evidence collected included surveillance video, witness statements, and assessments of Shytle’s conduct during his tenure as a parole officer. As a result of the investigation, Shytle was booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center but was subsequently released on a personal recognizance bond before noon on the day of his arrest.
The case is set to be prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Officials have not identified any prior criminal charges against Shytle based on a background check conducted by SLED in South Carolina. The grave nature of the allegations highlights significant concerns regarding the conduct expected from parole officers who supervise vulnerable populations.
Overview of Charges
- Victim supervision role: Shytle was responsible for overseeing individuals on parole.
- Types of charges: Two counts of second-degree assault and battery, five counts of misconduct in office.
- Timeline of incidents: Reported incidents spanned multiple months from August 2024 to April 2025.
- Nature of misconduct: Inappropriate communications and nonconsensual touching.
- Investigation: Conducted by SLED, utilizing video evidence and witness testimonies.
- Status: Released on a personal recognizance bond, awaiting prosecution.
Background of the Case
The alleged misconduct by David Shytle raises substantial questions about the safety and ethics within the parole system. As a parole officer, Shytle held a position of authority and trust, responsible for guiding individuals who are reintegrating into society. The allegations against him not only tarnish his reputation but also jeopardize the credibility of the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardons.
The actions of Shytle, if proven true, represent serious breaches of professional conduct and a significant failure of the duty owed to those under his supervision. Stakeholders within the community and the criminal justice system await the progress of the legal proceedings, which emphasize the need for stringent oversight and accountability within law enforcement agencies.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
Shytle’s case will be managed by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, which will determine how to proceed with the prosecution. This case will likely be closely monitored due to the implications it has for both the law enforcement community and public trust in governmental oversight.
FAQ Section
What charges has David Johnathon Shytle been facing?
David Shytle faces two counts of second-degree assault and battery and five counts of misconduct in office.
When did the alleged incidents occur?
The events reportedly took place between August 23, 2024, and April 4, 2025.
What specific actions are Shytle accused of?
He is accused of sending inappropriate images and texts, as well as nonconsensual touching of victims’ private parts.
Who conducted the investigation?
The South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) conducted the investigation.
What will happen next?
Shytle’s case is set to be prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and the legal proceedings will follow from there.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Accused Individual | David Johnathon Shytle, Jr., 47 |
| Charges | 2 counts of second-degree assault and battery, 5 counts of misconduct in office |
| Investigation Conducted By | South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) |
| Timeline of Allegations | August 23, 2024 – April 4, 2025 |
| Status After Arrest | Released on personal recognizance bond |
| Prosecution | 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former South Carolina Officer Arrested on Assault and Misconduct Charges
Probation Officer Charged with Assault and Misconduct in Beaufort
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Beaufort County Parole Officer Accused of Unwanted Touching
- ABC News 4: Beaufort County Parole Officer Charged with Misconduct
- WTOC: Beaufort Probation Officer Charged with Multiple Counts of Assault
- Post and Courier: Shytle Assault and Misconduct Case
- WSAV: SLED Charges Probation Officer with Multiple Offenses
- Wikipedia: Assault
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Legal Ethics
- Google Search: Parole Officer Misconduct
- Google Scholar: Probation Misconduct
- Google News: Beaufort County Parole Officer
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
