Beaufort, SC, September 6, 2025
News Summary
David Johnathon Shytle Jr., a probation officer in Beaufort, SC, has been arrested on multiple charges including assault and misconduct following serious allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct. The charges include two counts of Assault & Battery and five counts of Misconduct in Office. The investigation revealed that Shytle engaged in inappropriate relationships with parolees and misrepresented his actions while supervising them. His employment was terminated, and he was released on bail after his arrest.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Probation Officer Arrested on Assault and Misconduct Charges
David Johnathon Shytle Jr., a 47-year-old probation officer with the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services (SCDPPP), has been arrested on multiple counts of assault and misconduct. The arrest took place on August 28, 2025, by the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Shytle is facing two counts of Assault & Battery in the 2nd degree and five counts of Misconduct in Office. The allegations against him include inappropriate sexual conduct, specifically the touching and licking of a victim’s private parts. The first assault charge stems from an incident reported to have occurred on March 14, 2025. The second assault charge involves actions that allegedly took place between November 13, 2024, and March 7, 2025.
Alongside these charges, Shytle is accused of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a parolee he supervised. He allegedly sent lewd text messages and images to the victim and made sexual demands in exchange for favorable treatment in regard to the parolee’s probation status. The misconduct charges relate to the same incidents, with additional allegations that he misrepresented his actions and conducted “bogus home visits” to cover up his inappropriate behavior. Reports indicate that the misconduct may date back to August 2024 and could involve multiple parolees.
Following the investigation’s revelation, the SCDPPP terminated Shytle’s employment on April 22, 2025. He had served as a police officer for the Beaufort Police Department from 2016 until 2020 before joining the probation services.
Shytle was booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center following his arrest and was released later that day after posting a $45,000 personal recognizance bond. The prosecution of his case will be managed by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. As the legal proceedings progress, both criminal and civil cases are ongoing, with the civil suit naming the plaintiff as “Jane Doe” to protect her identity. This civil suit claims that the SCDPPP failed to safeguard parolees from Shytle’s misconduct and asserts that other parolees also experienced harassment and assault at his hands.
The investigation raises serious concerns regarding the oversight of probation officers and protection procedures in place for parolees. Law enforcement officials and relevant authorities are expected to reassess protocols to prevent such violations in the future.
Background Information
The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services is responsible for overseeing the rehabilitation of parolees and ensuring their compliance with parole conditions. Officers like Shytle are entrusted with significant responsibilities, including the supervision of individuals who are often vulnerable and may be in a transitional phase of their lives. The serious nature of the allegations against Shytle highlights potential shortcomings in oversight and accountability within the department.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
As both criminal and civil court proceedings continue, the outcome of the case remains uncertain. Law enforcement departments and community members await further developments, particularly concerning the protective measures implemented to safeguard parolees.
Key Details of the Case
| Charge | Details |
|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (2nd degree) | 2 counts related to incidents dating back to March 2025 and November 2024 to March 2025 |
| Misconduct in Office | 5 counts involving inappropriate relations with a parolee and sending inappropriate texts and images |
| Employment Status | Fired from SCDPPP on April 22, 2025 |
| Arrest Date | August 28, 2025 |
| Bail Amount | $45,000 Personal Recognizance Bond |
FAQ Section
What were the charges filed against David Johnathon Shytle Jr.?
Shytle faces two counts of Assault & Battery in the 2nd degree and five counts of Misconduct in Office.
What specific allegations are made against him?
The allegations include inappropriate sexual conduct towards a victim, misuse of his supervisory role over parolees, and sending inappropriate messages and images.
When was Shytle arrested?
He was arrested on August 28, 2025.
What is the status of his employment?
David Johnathon Shytle Jr. was fired from his position at the SCDPPP on April 22, 2025.
What is the current legal situation?
Both criminal and civil proceedings are ongoing, with Shytle being prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Beaufort Probation Officer Charged
- Wikipedia: Probation (Law)
- Island Packet: Local Crime News
- Google Search: Beaufort Probation Officer
- ABC News 4: Beaufort County Officer Charged
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Probation
- Live 5 News: Officer Accused of Unwanted Touching
- Google News: Beaufort Probation Officer Assault
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.
