Florence County, October 11, 2025
News Summary
In Florence County, Kristen Taylor Porter, 29, faces severe charges including child endangerment and firearms violations after a tragic shooting incident involving her boyfriend. The charges stem from allegations of making false statements during a firearm purchase and transferring a gun to Cameron Ray Dennett, a federally prohibited individual. This firearm was later used in a shooting that resulted in the death of Deputy Frank Devin Mason. The community expresses concerns about drug use and child safety, highlighting the urgent need for legislative action.
Florence County witnessed a significant legal development as 29-year-old Kristen Taylor Porter was charged with endangering children and firearms violations following a recent tragic incident involving her boyfriend. Porter was charged on October 10 with unlawfully placing a child at risk, a felony in the state of South Carolina, which carries a potential penalty of up to ten years in prison and hefty fines.
Porter’s arrest occurred on October 9, executed by the FBI’s Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The charges against her stem from allegations that she made false statements during the purchase of four firearms. Among the firearms acquired by Porter, one was allegedly handed over to her boyfriend, Cameron Ray Dennett, 25, who is classified as a federally prohibited person. This firearm later became the weapon used by Dennett in a shooting that tragically claimed the life of Darlington County Sheriff Deputy Frank Devin Mason and injured Deputy Jacob Heatherly.
The shooting incident, which resulted in the deaths of both Deputy Mason and Dennett, took place in Darlington County, and investigations revealed that Porter and Dennett were involved in multiple illegal activities throughout the county between February and July of 2023. According to investigators, it was alleged that the couple used methamphetamine and marijuana inside a vehicle with a three-year-old child and a baby present. Witnesses also reported observing them using drugs outside a residence in Lamar, leaving illegal substances in the vicinity.
Following her arrest, Porter was booked into the Darlington County Detention Center. The prosecution in this case will be managed by the 4th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, which will oversee the legal proceedings against her.
Background Context
This tragic event underscores ongoing issues around firearm access and child safety, particularly how reckless behavior can lead to severe consequences. The case raises concerns about drug use in the presence of minors and illegal firearms transactions. The reality of such incidents emphasizes the urgent need for legislation to prevent dangerous individuals from acquiring guns and protecting vulnerable children from potential harm.
As part of the legal process, more details about the consequences facing individuals involved in such incidents and the protective measures for children are expected to emerge. The community’s concern surrounding this case highlights a push for accountability and justice for the fallen Deputy Mason and the ongoing safety of children in similar situations.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Kristen Taylor Porter |
| Age | 29 |
| Charges | Two counts of unlawfully placing a child at risk; firearms violations |
| Potential Penalty | Up to 10 years in prison, fines |
| Additional Arrests | Cameron Ray Dennett |
| Incident Involved | Fatal shooting of Deputy Frank Devin Mason |
| Prosecution | 4th Circuit Solicitor’s Office |
FAQs
What charges has Kristen Taylor Porter faced?
Kristen Taylor Porter has been charged with unlawfully placing a child at risk and firearms violations.
What is the potential sentence for unlawfully placing a child at risk in South Carolina?
This felony charge could carry a penalty of up to ten years in prison, along with potential fines.
Who is Cameron Ray Dennett?
Cameron Ray Dennett is Kristen Taylor Porter’s boyfriend and has been described as a federally prohibited person.
What incident led to these charges?
The charges are connected to a shooting incident involving Deputy Frank Devin Mason, who was fatally shot by Dennett.
What will happen next in the legal proceedings?
The 4th Circuit Solicitor’s Office will handle the prosecution of the case.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florence Woman Arrested for Connection to Deputy’s Murder
Additional Resources
- Weather.com: Florence, SC 10-Day Forecast
- ABC News 4: Historic Flooding in Florence County
- WCNC: Hurricane Florence By The Numbers
- News Observer: North Carolina Flooding Updates
- Wikipedia: Florence, South Carolina
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.
