News Summary
Laurin B. Boyce, a former employee of Maranatha Christian School, has pleaded guilty to child abuse charges after assaulting children. Boyce’s plea agreement resulted in a 90-day sentence, while others affiliated with the school face charges for neglecting to report the abuse. The case raises concerns about child safety and reporting protocols in educational environments.
Florence, South Carolina – Laurin B. Boyce, a 73-year-old former employee of Maranatha Christian School, has pleaded guilty to charges of child abuse stemming from assaults that occurred at the school in January. Boyce entered her plea during a court hearing on Wednesday morning, facing multiple charges including two counts of unlawful conduct toward a child, as well as assault and battery (high and aggravated) and second-degree assault and battery.
The guilty plea was part of a negotiated agreement that received the consent of the victims involved. Judge H. Steven DeBerry accepted the plea, resulting in concurrent sentences of 90 days, with credit for the 92 days that Boyce had already served in custody prior to her sentencing. Boyce has been denied bond several times since her arrest in February, and was ultimately incarcerated after the serious nature of the charges.
The child abuse incidents that led to Boyce’s conviction occurred on two different days in January. On January 23, she was accused of violently assaulting a child by slamming the child’s head into a crib, covering the child’s head with a blanket, and dragging the child out of the room. On January 30, she reportedly knocked another child over on the playground, picked the child up, and then dropped them from waist height onto their head.
In addition to Boyce, several other individuals connected with Maranatha Christian School have faced charges for their failure to report the abuse. Jessica Anngeline Elmore, 32, has been charged with two counts of failing to report child abuse or neglect. Dawn Denise Kirven, 51, and Lee B. Patrick, 49, have also been charged with failing to report child abuse or neglect, as well as criminal conspiracy, as all individuals had direct ties to the school.
The arrests raised concerns regarding the use of force, as they occurred in the presence of children at the school. Authorities have emphasized that individuals in positions of trust, such as teachers and clergy, are legally obligated under South Carolina law to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Failure to fulfill this responsibility can result in significant legal repercussions, including fines and potential imprisonment for up to six months.
During Boyce’s bond hearing, parents of the child victims expressed their outrage and grief, urging the court to deny her bond. Boyce’s defense attorney highlighted her lack of prior criminal history, arguing for her release; however, the judge denied the request. Moreover, the judge established a $6,000 bond for Elmore, Kirven, and Patrick, implementing strict conditions which include prohibiting any contact with the victims or access to the school premises.
All four defendants are scheduled to return to court in April for further proceedings. Meanwhile, Maranatha Christian School, which was established in 1972 and operates under the First Free Will Baptist Church, continues to be the focus of scrutiny as the investigation unfolds. The allegations not only affect the immediate community but also raise broader questions regarding the safety and oversight within educational environments.
In response to the situation, school officials have been urged to review their policies regarding child supervision and reporting procedures to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future. The case serves as a serious reminder of the responsibility that comes with positions of authority and the critical nature of protecting the welfare of children. As this story develops, community members remain vigilant for updates regarding both the judicial process and school safety measures.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Former Florence School Worker Pleads Guilty in Child Abuse Investigation
- WMBF News: Bond Hearing Scheduled After 4 Arrested in Pee Dee Child Abuse Investigation
- Julie Roys: South Carolina Christian School Employees and Pastor Charged in Child Abuse Case
- ABC News: Pastor Charged in Child Abuse Case at Maranatha Christian School
- Post and Courier: Maranatha Christian School Arrested in Child Abuse and Neglect Case
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
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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.
