Beaufort SC, September 5, 2025
News Summary
The City of Beaufort, South Carolina, has called for an investigation into the unintended release of 9,000 pages of sensitive information. The City Council has hired Haynesworth Sinkler Boyd to conduct the inquiry, prompted by a FOIA request from a couple seeking information about their missing daughter. The released documents included private data such as social security numbers. City officials suspect a combination of software issues and human error led to the breach. The incident raises concerns about data management and security policies within the city.
Beaufort City, South Carolina, has initiated an investigation into the accidental release of sensitive information following a recent vote by the City Council. During a council meeting held on Monday, members unanimously decided to hire Haynesworth Sinkler Boyd, a Charleston-based law firm, to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.
The investigation was prompted by the unintentional release of 9,000 pages of emails and attachments containing private information, including sensitive data such as social security numbers and law enforcement materials. The documents were made available to a local couple, Kiel and Autumn Hollis, as part of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request related to the search for their 12-year-old daughter. The Hollis couple alleged that their daughter was abducted and transported to Florida, raising criticisms regarding the city’s handling of the case.
City officials have suggested that the release of this sensitive information might be due to a combination of software errors and human mistakes. Mayor Phil Cromer underscored the necessity of an outside investigation to restore public confidence amid growing concerns over the handling of sensitive data.
Besides the investigative vote, council members Mike McFee, Josh Scallate, Mitch Mitchell, and Neil Lipsitz demonstrated a consensus on the importance of the inquiry. Former council member Kiel Hollis reiterated the call for accountability, emphasizing the need for answers and protective measures for families potentially impacted by the information breach.
The council meeting also included a closed executive session focused on discussing the contractual agreement with Haynesworth Sinkler Boyd prior to the public vote. This move is part of a broader strategy by the city to mitigate potential public relations complications stemming from the release of private information.
In addition to the investigation, council members discussed ongoing summer plans which include the temporary closure of the seawall promenade due to structural deterioration at the city’s Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. This decision indicates the city is concurrently addressing other pressing issues while managing the fallout from the information breach.
Previous discussions regarding document security and city communications have been brought to light following this incident, suggesting that the city might need to enhance its policies to prevent future occurrences.
The decision to hire an independent law firm marks a significant step in addressing the ramifications of the accidental information release and aiming to restore public trust in the city’s information management practices.
FAQs
What was the incident that prompted the inquiry?
The inquiry was prompted by the accidental release of 9,000 pages of sensitive information, including private data and law enforcement materials, given to a couple in a FOIA request.
Who is conducting the investigation?
The Beaufort City Council voted to hire Haynesworth Sinkler Boyd, a law firm based in Charleston, to conduct the investigation.
What other actions did the city discuss during the council meeting?
The council also discussed plans to close the seawall promenade at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park due to structural deterioration.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Accidental Information Release |
| Documents Involved | 9,000 pages of emails and attachments |
| Data Exposed | Private information including social security numbers and sensitive law enforcement materials |
| Investigation Firm | Haynesworth Sinkler Boyd |
| Relevant FOIA Request | Request by Kiel and Autumn Hollis |
| City Official Involvement | Mayor Phil Cromer and City Council |
| Additional Council Discussions | Closure of seawall promenade at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Deputy City Manager J.J. Sauve Resigns from Beaufort
Former Beaufort Parole Officer Charged with Misconduct
Former South Carolina Officer Arrested on Assault and Misconduct Charges
Controversial Development Proposals in Beaufort County
Michael Pate Identified as Victim of Fripp Island House Fire
Beaufort Family Displaced by Devastating Fire
Beaufort, South Carolina’s Historical Events and Recent Tragedies
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Your Island News: The Waterfront Park
- Island Packet: Election News
- Google Search: Beaufort City Council
- Wikipedia: Freedom of Information Act
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.
