Beaufort, South Carolina, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort County Councilman Tom Reitz is under investigation for allegedly bringing a cell phone into the Beaufort County Detention Center during a visit with inmate Calvin Hoagland. This incident raises serious concerns about detention center regulations and potential contraband violations, as bringing a cell phone into such facilities in South Carolina can lead to felony charges. The situation has drawn attention from fellow council members and law enforcement, with investigations ongoing to uncover the implications of this breach.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Beaufort County Councilman Tom Reitz is currently under investigation for allegedly bringing a cell phone into the Beaufort County Detention Center (BCDC) during a visit with inmate Calvin “Skip” Hoagland. The BCDC’s regulations clearly state that only “authorized and cleared infant and/or healthcare items” are permitted for in-house visits, making this alleged violation a serious matter.
The incident reportedly involved a selfie taken during the visit, which circulated among certain local circles, including fellow councilmembers Alice Howard and Tab Tabernick. Concerned about the implications of the breach, both Howard and Tabernick promptly reported the situation to Sheriff P.J. Tanner.
Calvin “Skip” Hoagland, who is currently incarcerated for trespassing at a local Republican Party meeting, identified Reitz as the individual who brought the cell phone and claimed that neither of them was informed about the detention center’s phone policy. Hoagland emphasized that he believed Reitz “made an honest mistake” and was unaware of the prohibition against bringing a cell phone into the facility.
In response to the incident, Sheriff Tanner confirmed that an investigation is ongoing to determine if there were any contraband violations associated with bringing a cell phone into the detention center. In South Carolina, bringing a cell phone into a detention center can be classified as a felony, which may result in a fine or imprisonment for up to ten years.
The South Carolina Department of Corrections has also been notified of the potential policy violation and is exploring a plan to address the matter if a violation is confirmed. In the same detention center visit in question, Hoagland reported experiencing severe knee pain and requested medication, alleging that Reitz visited to assist him in obtaining the necessary treatment.
Hoagland has a documented history of confrontational behavior during public meetings and has faced legal repercussions for prior incidents at governmental functions. While Councilman Reitz has not been officially named in the investigation, local community members have expressed support for him amidst the ongoing scrutiny.
The BCDC has faced criticism in the past for its handling of inmate information availability and has been involved in a class-action lawsuit concerning strip-search policies for female inmates. Recent conditions at the detention center have further compounded its issues, with complaints about dust and noise arising during renovations, leading to inmate transfers to a facility in Charleston.
The overall situation surrounding the detention center’s operations remains a topic of concern and controversy, with various challenges continuing to arise as investigations develop.
FAQ
What is the reason for Beaufort County Councilman Tom Reitz’s investigation?
Councilman Tom Reitz is under investigation for allegedly bringing a cell phone into the Beaufort County Detention Center during a visit with inmate Calvin “Skip” Hoagland.
What are the rules regarding items brought into the Beaufort County Detention Center?
The BCDC’s regulations state that only “authorized and cleared infant and/or healthcare items” are allowed for in-house visits.
What potential consequences could result from bringing a cell phone into the detention center?
Bringing a cell phone into a detention center can be classified as a felony in South Carolina, punishable by a fine or imprisonment of up to ten years.
Who reported the incident to law enforcement?
Councilmembers Alice Howard and Tab Tabernick reported the incident to Sheriff P.J. Tanner due to potential legal conflicts.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Investigation Subject | Beaufort County Councilman Tom Reitz |
| Violation | Bringing a cell phone into the Beaufort County Detention Center |
| Initial Report | Made by fellow councilmembers Alice Howard and Tab Tabernick to Sheriff P.J. Tanner |
| Inmate Involved | Calvin “Skip” Hoagland |
| Possible Consequences | Felony charge, with penalties including a fine or up to ten years imprisonment |
| Previous Issues | Scrutiny of BCDC for inmate information availability, class-action lawsuit related to policies |
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Councilman Investigation
- Wikipedia: Beaufort County, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Beaufort County Investigation
- Google Search: Beaufort County Detention Center
- WITN: Beaufort County Jail Repairs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Detention
- Post and Courier: Investigation into Jail Council Member
- Google News: Beaufort County Cell Phone Incident
- Island News: Longtime Local Attorney’s Reflection
- Google Scholar: Beaufort County Detention Center Conditions
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.
