Beaufort, SC, August 30, 2025
News Summary
David Johnathon Shytle Jr., a probation officer in Beaufort, has been arrested on charges including second-degree assault and battery and misconduct in office. The allegations include maintaining an inappropriate relationship with a parolee and accusations of nonconsensual actions. Following his arrest, Shytle was released on a personal recognizance bond. The case, which raises significant concerns about the conduct of probation officers, will be prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
Beaufort Probation Officer David Johnathon Shytle Jr. Charged with Assault and Misconduct in Office Involving Parolees
Beaufort, SC – David Johnathon Shytle Jr., a 47-year-old probation officer based in Beaufort, has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including two counts of second-degree assault and battery and five counts of misconduct in office. The arrest occurred on August 28, 2025, following an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
The alleged misconduct took place while Shytle was serving as a probation officer for the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole & Pardon Services from August 2024 to April 2025. His responsibilities involved supervising individuals on probation, conducting meetings, and facilitating communication between offenders and the court system.
According to investigators, Shytle is accused of establishing an inappropriate relationship with a parolee under his supervision. Allegations against him include sending inappropriate text messages and images to this parolee. Additionally, he is reported to have engaged in nonconsensual touching and licking of two victims’ private parts on two different occasions.
It is currently unclear whether the alleged victims are parolees or if both victims refer to the same individual or multiple individuals, as the victim’s name is not disclosed in the court documents.
After his arrest, Shytle was booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center, where he remained for less than four hours before being released on a personal recognizance bond amounting to $45,000.
The charges against Shytle carry serious potential penalties. Under South Carolina law, the second-degree assault and battery charge may result in a minimum fine of $2,500 and up to three years in prison. Significantly, there are no specific sentencing guidelines for misconduct in office in the state, meaning sentences are determined based on common legal practices.
The case will be prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, which will determine the appropriate legal actions moving forward.
Background Context
David Johnathon Shytle Jr.’s charges raise serious concerns about the conduct of probation officers and their responsibilities in overseeing individuals on probation. The role of a probation officer is crucial in the criminal justice system, as they help reintegrate offenders into society while ensuring compliance with the legal requirements. Instances of misconduct can undermine public trust and create risks for vulnerable individuals.
The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole & Pardon Services is tasked with overseeing individuals who have been convicted of crimes and are attempting to rehabilitate. This is done through various support systems, including regular check-ins, counseling, and compliance monitoring. Allegations of misconduct by individuals in such authoritative roles can significantly impact both probationers and the broader community.
Conclusion
The unfolding legal proceedings against David Johnathon Shytle Jr. will likely attract significant attention as they highlight the importance of accountability and professionalism among law enforcement officers and public servants.
FAQs
Who is David Johnathon Shytle Jr.?
David Johnathon Shytle Jr. is a probation officer based in Beaufort, South Carolina, who has been arrested and charged with assault and misconduct while supervising parolees.
What are the charges against him?
Shytle faces two counts of second-degree assault and battery and five counts of misconduct in office.
When was he arrested?
He was arrested on August 28, 2025, by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
What is the potential punishment for the charges?
The second-degree assault and battery charge may come with a fine of $2,500 and up to three years in prison. Sentencing for misconduct in office is determined by common practice in the state.
Who will be prosecuting the case?
The 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office will handle the prosecution of the case.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | David Johnathon Shytle Jr. |
| Age | 47 |
| Position | Probation Officer |
| Location | Beaufort, SC |
| Date of Arrest | August 28, 2025 |
| Charges | Two counts of second-degree assault and battery, five counts of misconduct in office |
| Potential Penalties | Up to $2,500 fine and three years in prison for assault and battery |
| Prosecutor | 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
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.
