Beaufort County, January 13, 2026
In Beaufort County, law enforcement made a notable arrest of Marine recruit Michael Quertermous on outstanding sex crime warrants from Kentucky. Additionally, a statewide search for a missing teenager requiring medication is underway. Other local happenings include the opening of 328 new apartments and a pediatrician’s recent DUI charge. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office continues to address ongoing missing person cases, highlighting their dedication to public safety and community well-being.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Recent Law Enforcement Activity in Beaufort County
Law enforcement officials in Beaufort County have been active in the past 48 hours, with a notable arrest at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, a 22-year-old Marine recruit, Michael Breven Quertermous, was taken into custody on outstanding sex crime warrants originating from Lexington, Kentucky. Quertermous, who had been less than two months into his training regiment, was booked into the Beaufort County jail following his detention by deputies at the base’s main gates. Officials at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island became aware of the active warrants on January 5, 2026. This incident marks the second time in less than a month that a Marine or Marine-in-training in the Beaufort area has faced arrest due to out-of-state sex crime warrants. South Carolina law permits the detention of out-of-state fugitives for up to 20 days for charges carrying a prison term exceeding one year, allowing time for transfer to the appropriate jurisdiction.
State-Level Search for Missing Teenager Underway
Across South Carolina, a search is actively underway for a missing teenager who requires medication. This search was reported on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, indicating a continued effort by authorities to locate the individual. The specific details regarding the teenager’s identity or the precise location of their disappearance within the state were not immediately available, but the urgency is heightened by their medical needs.
Other Recent Beaufort County Developments
In other local news, Beaufort has seen the opening of 328 new apartments. This development was announced on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The new residences are expected to offer housing options within the community. Additionally, on Monday, January 12, 2026, a pediatrician in the Hilton Head area was charged with driving under the influence (DUI). This marks at least the second such incident involving the individual.
Ongoing Efforts to Locate Missing Individuals in Beaufort County
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office consistently works to address reports of missing persons, with various cases remaining active or unsolved over time. While the recent 48-hour period highlights the search for a South Carolina teenager, the county has a history of ongoing investigations into missing individuals. For instance, in December 2025, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Officers responded to a residence in Blounts Creek regarding a missing juvenile, with reports on this incident dating back to January 2, 2026. [cite: provided by user]
Historical cases underscore the continuous nature of these efforts. Kenneth Eric Jenkins Jr. was reported missing on September 18, 2017, from St. Helena Island. Family members indicated it was uncharacteristic for him to be unreachable, and evidence discovered early in the investigation suggested potential foul play. He was slated to start a new job in construction but never appeared. Kenneth Eric Jenkins Jr. remains missing.
Another long-standing case involves Margarita Gonzalez-Almazan, who was reported missing on December 1, 2013, from her Bluffton residence following a dispute. Signs of a struggle were noted at her home, and her mobile phone was later found near the Lemon Island Bridge. Early in this investigation, foul play was suspected in her disappearance.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office also continues to seek information regarding the 2008 disappearance of John and Elizabeth Calvert. They were last seen on March 3, having planned to meet their accountant. Concerns arose when they missed business appointments, and investigators later discovered their accountant, Dennis Gerwing, had embezzled money from them and others. Gerwing died by suicide, leaving a note admitting to embezzlement, but not clarifying his involvement in the Calverts’ disappearance. They remain missing.
Other unsolved missing person cases in Beaufort County include those of Paul Leonard Baker, who was reported missing at three years old in 1987, April Irene Vlk in 1991, Kaye Francis Reid Hamilton in 1995, and Elshawndrae Jones and Toby Bing, both reported missing in 1999. The Sheriff’s Office maintains an “Unsolved Cases” section, hoping that new information, no matter how minor, might help resolve these long-standing investigations. The public is urged to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County with any relevant information concerning missing persons or cold cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was recently arrested in Beaufort County on sex crime warrants?
Michael Breven Quertermous, a 22-year-old Marine recruit, was arrested on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island on outstanding sex crime warrants from Lexington, Kentucky.
Is there a search for a missing person in South Carolina within the last 48 hours?
Yes, a state-level search is actively underway for a missing South Carolina teenager who requires medication, reported on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
What other developments have occurred in Beaufort County recently?
328 new apartments opened in Beaufort on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Additionally, a Hilton Head area pediatrician was charged with DUI on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Are there ongoing missing person cases in Beaufort County from before the last 48 hours?
Yes, Beaufort County has several ongoing missing person investigations. These include the 2017 disappearance of Kenneth Eric Jenkins Jr., the 2013 disappearance of Margarita Gonzalez-Almazan, and the 2008 disappearance of John and Elizabeth Calvert. Other cases dating back to 1987 also remain unsolved.
Key Recent Events in Beaufort County and South Carolina
| Event | Date/Time | Location | Scope | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Recruit Arrested | January 13, 2026, 8:31 AM | Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Beaufort County, SC | Local | Michael Breven Quertermous, 22, arrested on outstanding sex crime warrants from Kentucky. |
| Search for Missing Teenager | January 13, 2026, 7:59 AM | South Carolina | State-level | Active search for a missing teenager who requires medication. |
| New Apartments Open | January 13, 2026, 4:30 AM | Beaufort, SC | Local | 328 new apartments have opened in the area. |
| Pediatrician Charged with DUI | January 12, 2026, 5:24 PM | Hilton Head area, Beaufort County, SC | Local | A local pediatrician was charged with DUI for a second time. |
Now Happening on X
- @WSAV (January 13, 2026, 2:30 AM): Reports that gunfire in a Bluffton neighborhood is prompting possible law changes in unincorporated Beaufort County. View on X
- @BeaufortSC_EMS (January 12, 2026, 12:30 PM): Announces the launch of a new 24/72 shift schedule for Beaufort County EMS starting February 14 to improve operations. View on X
- @ABCNews4 (January 8, 2026, 4:00 AM): Details the arrest of three teenage males in connection with multiple burglaries targeting Hispanic restaurants in Beaufort County. View on X
- @bcsopio (January 7, 2026, 8:45 PM): States that three individuals have been arrested in connection to multiple burglaries in Beaufort County. View on X
- @QuintinOnCamera (January 8, 2026, 4:04 AM): Shares news of three teens arrested in a Beaufort County burglary investigation. View on X
- @wcti12 (January 6, 2026, 10:56 PM): Reports the arrest of a 20-year-old man by Beaufort County deputies after finding a firearm and marijuana in a vehicle on school property, with the campus secured and no threat. View on X
- @QuintinOnCamera (January 7, 2026, 12:31 AM): Notes that a former Beaufort County mail carrier is facing a federal investigation. View on X
- @fopjohnb (January 8, 2026, 3:30 PM): Remembers the two Beaufort County deputies who responded to a domestic call on Riley Road and did not return home, highlighting their lasting impact on law enforcement. View on X
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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.
