News Summary
William Justin Sims of Lake City faces stalking charges after violating a court order intended to protect a victim from harassment. Previously arrested for placing tracking devices on the victim’s belongings, Sims allegedly sent a threatening message and trespassed to photograph the victim’s vehicle. His actions raise serious concerns about stalking and personal safety, emphasizing the importance of no-contact orders in legal proceedings. Sims remains in custody at the Florence County Detention Center as he awaits trial.
Lake City, SC – William Justin Sims, a 37-year-old resident of Lake City, has been charged with stalking by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) following a series of alarming incidents involving a victim he was previously ordered not to contact. The stalking charge was filed against him on July 31, 2025, and he is currently detained at the Florence County Detention Center.
Prior to the stalking charge, Sims faced charges of second-degree harassment on September 16, 2024. This earlier charge originated from allegations that he placed Apple AirTag tracking devices in the victim’s car and purse, which are typically used to track the location of objects. Such actions raised significant concerns regarding the victim’s safety and privacy.
After his initial arrest in September 2024, Sims was explicitly ordered to refrain from any contact with the victim or their family members. However, less than two weeks after the order was placed, he reportedly violated this directive. On October 1, 2024, he allegedly sent a threatening text message to the victim, which included a warning that stated, “you better hope I don’t find y’all.” This message prompted further investigation by law enforcement.
On the same night that he sent the threatening text, Sims reportedly entered private property to take a photograph of the victim’s vehicle. He later confessed to SLED agents that he was actively searching for a vehicle that matched the victim’s truck description. According to reports, the victim’s vehicle was not visible from the road, which necessitated his entrance onto the property.
As of now, Sims remains incarcerated at the Florence County Detention Center with pending legal matters ahead. His second-degree harassment charge is still active in Florence County, raising ongoing legal considerations following his alleged breaches of the no-contact order.
This series of events highlights the serious nature of stalking and harassment. Stalking is defined under South Carolina law as engaging in repeated, unwanted conduct that causes a reasonable person to feel fear of death or bodily injury. The legal implications are significant, as stalking can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment. The existence of a no-contact order serves to protect victims of harassment from further incidents, emphasizing the responsibility of individuals to adhere to judicial directives.
Authorities encourage individuals who feel threatened or harassed to report such behavior promptly and to seek protection under the law. Victims are urged to document incidents of harassment to aid law enforcement agencies in addressing and resolving these serious issues.
As this case unfolds, the legal proceedings against Sims will be closely monitored, as they underscore the importance of addressing and curbing stalking behavior. The legal system is tasked not only with bringing offenders to justice but also with safeguarding the victims from potential harm.
The incidents involving Sims serve as a reminder of the complexities surrounding personal safety, privacy rights, and the law. Maintaining a proactive approach towards addressing and reporting harassment can be crucial for individuals facing such situations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Shootings Rock Quiet Green Isle Community
Chilling Attack on Minnesota Lawmaker and Husband
Luigi Mangione Pleads Not Guilty in High-Profile Murder Case
Recent Arrests in Florence, SC Highlight Safety Concerns
Drama Unfolds in Florence: Man Arrested for Assault and Kidnapping
Florence County Embraces AI in Education
Florence County Teen Faces Serious Charges After Bus Stop Incident
Florence Man Arrested for Violating Restraining Order and Threatening Life
Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Pee Dee Man Accused of Using Apple AirTag Facing New Stalking Charge
- WBTW News: SLED Arrests Lake City Man on Stalking Charge
- Canon City Daily Record: Man Arrested on Suspicion of Stalking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Stalking
- Google Search: Stalking Laws South Carolina
