News Summary
William Justin Sims, a South Carolina resident, has been officially charged with stalking after he used an Apple AirTag to track the victim’s vehicle. Sims had previously been charged with harassment and was prohibited from contacting the victim. Law enforcement reported his actions of tracking and photographing her vehicle, which raised significant concerns regarding the misuse of location tracking technology and its implications for personal safety.
Florence, South Carolina – William Justin Sims, a 37-year-old resident of South Carolina, has been officially charged with stalking after an investigation revealed he tracked the victim’s vehicle using an Apple AirTag tracking device. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division reported that Sims had placed the device not only in the victim’s car but also in her purse.
The stalking charge stems from events that began when Sims was initially charged with second-degree harassment in September 2024. Due to these allegations, he was mandated to follow specific bond conditions, which included a prohibition on contacting the victim or her family. This restriction extended to phone calls, third-party communications, and social media platforms.
In October 2024, violation of these bond conditions was noted when Sims allegedly sent a threatening text message to the victim. According to the arrest warrant, he warned her with a statement suggesting he would go to extreme lengths to locate her, stating, “you better hope I don’t find ya’ll.” Following this, he tracked the victim’s vehicle and took a photograph of it, actions that both prompted concern for her safety and violated his bond conditions.
Subsequently, law enforcement took action. On Thursday, Sims was booked into the Florence County Detention Center as the stalking charge was officially filed against him. This incident raises significant concerns about the use of location tracking technology and its implications for personal safety and privacy.
Legal Ramifications and Enforcement Actions
Stalking is defined as a pattern of behavior that involves repeated and unwanted attention or contact that causes fear for the victim’s safety or their family’s safety. The specific circumstances surrounding this case highlight a growing trend of technology being utilized in stalking cases, complicating conventional legal approaches to such offenses.
Authorities in South Carolina are increasingly addressing the implications of personal tracking devices becoming tools for harassment. This has led to discussions about potential legislative measures aimed at regulating the use of tracking technologies to enhance the protection of potential victims.
Technological Concerns in Stalking
The use of devices like Apple AirTags raises questions about how accessible tracking technologies are being used in harmful ways. Apple AirTags, which are marketed as a way to track personal belongings, have been linked to several stalking incidents across the United States. Legislators and safety advocates are calling for more awareness about the misuse of such technologies and are urging manufacturers to implement stronger privacy protections.
Community Response
Community members and advocates for domestic violence and stalking awareness emphasize the importance of recognizing the signs of stalking behaviors and taking them seriously. Victims are encouraged to report incidents of harassment and to seek help from local agencies that specialize in supporting those affected by violent behaviors.
As legal proceedings continue against Sims, the South Carolina community remains vigilant regarding issues surrounding personal safety and technological abuse. The situation underscores the critical importance of not only enforcing existing laws but also reviewing them to ensure they adequately protect individuals from emerging threats posed by modern technologies.
People are being reminded to remain aware of their surroundings and to take precautions if they suspect they are being followed or tracked. Resources are available for those who find themselves in similar situations, including hotlines and support services that focus on assisting victims of stalking.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Stalking with Apple AirTag in South Carolina
- WIS TV: SC Launch New Program to Protect Crime Victims
- Live 5 News: Sullivans Island Man Charged with Stalking and Harassment
- WWLP: Holyoke Man Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking South Carolina FBI Agent
- WLTX: SC Address Confidentiality Program for Crime Victims
- Wikipedia: Stalking
- Google Search: Stalking Laws in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Stalking and Technology
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Stalking
- Google News: Stalking Incidents
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
