Beaufort, September 5, 2025
News Summary
David Johnathon Shytle Jr., a former probation officer in Beaufort, has been arrested and faces multiple criminal charges, including misdemeanor assault and misconduct in office. Additionally, a civil lawsuit has been filed against him by an alleged victim claiming he engaged in inappropriate relationships with parolees. The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services is named in the lawsuit for its alleged failure to protect parolees. Shytle was terminated from his position in April 2023 amid the investigation.
Beaufort
David Johnathon Shytle Jr., a 47-year-old former probation officer from Beaufort, was arrested on August 28, 2025, and is facing multiple criminal charges, as well as a civil lawsuit for alleged misconduct involving parolees. Shytle has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor assault and five counts of misconduct in office.
In addition to the criminal charges, a civil lawsuit has been filed against Shytle by one of his alleged victims, referred to as Jane Doe. The lawsuit claims that Shytle engaged in inappropriate relationships with several parolees under his supervision, which included harassment and assault.
The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (SCDPPP) is named in the lawsuit, as it is accused of failing to protect parolees despite being aware of Shytle’s inappropriate behavior. The civil filing was submitted to the Beaufort County civil court on September 4, 2025.
Shytle began his employment with the SCDPPP in April 2023 and was terminated from his position on April 22, 2023, as the investigation into his misconduct unfolded. Before working with the SCDPPP, Shytle was an officer with the Beaufort Police Department from 2016 to 2020. He also served in the National Guard and spent over 13 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, completing multiple tours overseas.
Jane Doe was assigned to Shytle after being sentenced to five years of probation on March 11, 2025. The lawsuit alleges that during a meeting, Shytle removed her clothing and touched her without consent. Moreover, it claims he solicited sexual favors from her in exchange for favorable parole conditions, including requests for oral sex and monthly payments.
Shytle is also accused of sending lewd text messages, including videos of himself, to his victims. Evidence from the investigation includes surveillance video, witness statements, and text messages. Authorities found that Shytle had allowed a parolee to return to Texas without necessary approval from SCDPPP, conducting fake home visits instead.
In an alarming twist, SCDPPP allegedly accused Jane Doe of lying about her claims against Shytle, and even issued a warrant for her arrest based on untrue probation violations. This warrant was determined to be unfounded during a hearing on June 11, 2025.
Following his arrest, Shytle was released on a personal recognizance bond without having to post bail. The 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office has been assigned to prosecute Shytle’s criminal case.
FAQ
What charges is David Johnathon Shytle Jr. facing?
Shytle faces two charges of misdemeanor assault and five counts of misconduct in office.
What is the nature of the lawsuit filed against him?
The lawsuit, filed by an alleged victim referred to as Jane Doe, claims Shytle engaged in inappropriate relationships involving harassment and assault with multiple parolees.
What evidence supports the allegations against Shytle?
Evidence include surveillance video, witness statements, and text messages sent by Shytle.
How did the SCDPPP respond to the situation?
The SCDPPP is accused of failing to protect parolees and allegedly accused Jane Doe of lying, leading to wrongful actions against her.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrest Date | August 28, 2025 |
| Charges | 2 counts of misdemeanor assault, 5 counts of misconduct in office |
| Civil Lawsuit | Filed by Jane Doe on September 4, 2025 |
| Employment History | Worked at SCDPPP from April 2023 until termination on April 22, 2023 |
| Allegations Detail | Inappropriate relationships, harassment, assault |
| Prosecutor | 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort City Launches Investigation into Data Breach
Beaufort County EMS Implements New Scheduling System
Former Beaufort Parole Officer Charged with Misconduct
Beaufort Man Charged in Connection with Teen’s Murder
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
Retired Boston Police Sergeant Defends Integrity After Read Acquittal
Karen Read Acquitted of Murder Charges in Officer’s Death
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Probation and Parole in the United States
- WTOC
- Google Search: David Johnathon Shytle
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Harassment
- WSAV
- Google News: Beaufort County Probation 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.
