Beaufort County, August 30, 2025
News Summary
David Johnathon Shytle, Jr., a 47-year-old former parole officer in Beaufort County, faces multiple charges of misconduct, including second-degree assault and battery. Allegations suggest inappropriate interactions with parolees, including unwelcome communications and physical misconduct. The charges stem from incidents that began last year and were investigated by the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division. Authorities are working to ensure accountability as the case is prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
Beaufort County, South Carolina – David Johnathon Shytle, Jr., a 47-year-old former parole officer, has been charged with multiple criminal offenses after being accused of inappropriate conduct with parolees he supervised. The allegations against him include two counts of second-degree assault and battery and five counts of misconduct in office. The charges were officially filed on August 28, 2025, following an investigation by the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
The incidents leading to these charges reportedly began on August 23, 2024, and encompass a series of inappropriate interactions between Shytle and several of the individuals under his supervision. Allegations detail instances where Shytle is accused of sending inappropriate text messages and photos to parolees, as well as maliciously touching or licking the victims’ private parts without their consent. The most recent incident associated with these charges took place on April 4, 2025.
The specific details of the assault charges include a second-degree assault that occurred between November 13, 2024, and March 7, 2025, as well as another assault charge linked to a single incident on March 14, 2025. These charges stem from both physical misconduct and improper communications, raising serious concerns regarding Shytle’s behavior in his official capacity as a parole officer.
Evidence supporting the charges was gathered through various means, including surveillance video, witness statements, and a thorough investigation by SLED. Following his arrest, Shytle was booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center, but he was released later that same day on a personal recognizance bond.
Second-degree assault and battery in South Carolina is classified as a misdemeanor, which can result in potential penalties of up to three years in jail and/or fines. It is noteworthy that no prior criminal charges were found against Shytle in the state of South Carolina, which raises questions about his previous conduct and suitability for the role of a parole officer.
The case is set to be prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, as authorities work to ensure accountability for the allegations made against Shytle and to uphold the standards expected of law enforcement officials.
Background Information
Parole officers play a critical role in overseeing individuals who have been released from incarceration, ensuring compliance with their parole conditions and facilitating reintegration into society. The integrity and professionalism of these officers are vital for maintaining public trust and safety. The allegations against Shytle underscore the importance of accountability within law enforcement and the potential implications for the individuals affected by the alleged misconduct.
Conclusion
The allegations and subsequent charges against David Johnathon Shytle bring significant attention to the conduct of parole officers in South Carolina. As the judicial process unfolds, many will be observing how this case is handled and what measures may be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
FAQs
- What are the charges against David Johnathon Shytle, Jr.?
- Shytle has been charged with two counts of second-degree assault and battery and five counts of misconduct in office.
- When did the alleged incidents occur?
- The incidents date back to August 23, 2024, with the most recent incident reported on April 4, 2025.
- What evidence supports the charges against Shytle?
- Evidence includes surveillance video, witness statements, and information gathered during the SLED investigation.
- What penalties could Shytle face if convicted?
- He could face up to three years in jail and/or fines for each count of second-degree assault and battery.
- Who is prosecuting this case?
- The case will be prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
- Has Shytle had any previous criminal charges?
- No prior criminal charges were found against Shytle in South Carolina.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | David Johnathon Shytle, Jr. |
| Age | 47 |
| Charges | 2 counts of second-degree assault and battery, 5 counts of misconduct in office |
| Date of First Incident | August 23, 2024 |
| Date of Most Recent Incident | April 4, 2025 |
| Investigation Body | SLED |
| Prosecutor | 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office |
| Potential Penalty | Up to 3 years in jail and/or fines |
| Prior Charges | No prior criminal charges found |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort Probation Officer Charged with Assault and Misconduct
Parole Officer Charged with Assault and Misconduct in Beaufort
Former South Carolina Officer Arrested on Assault and Misconduct Charges
Probation Officer Charged with Assault and Misconduct in Beaufort
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- WTOC
- ABC News 4
- Post and Courier
- WSAV
- Wikipedia: Parole
- Google Search: Beaufort County Parole Officer Misconduct
- Google Scholar: Parole Officer Misconduct
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Parole
- Google News: Beaufort County Parole Officer
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.
