RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — After a 13-year-old pleaded guilty to killing a K-9, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott expressed his frustration with the rising juvenile crime rates and unveiled a new measure.
Under the Parent Accountability Initiative, parents could face a range of charges, including unlawful conduct, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, misprision, obstruction and being an accessory after the fact, WLTX reports.
An example of this new policy in action is the case of a mother charged after her 13-year-old son pleaded guilty to fatally shooting K-9 Bumi in December, Sheriff Leon Lott announced at a press conference. The woman allegedly assisted her son by picking him up in the early hours following the incident, leading to her being charged as an accessory after the fact, Lott said.
“The community’s sick of it, I’m sick of it, we’re all sick of it,” Lott stated during a news conference, signaling a hardened stance against teen violence.
In addition to criminal charges, the sheriff’s office is adopting another strategy: suing parents in civil court for damages their children cause.
“Next week, we’re going to file a lawsuit in Lexington County against this mom,” Lott revealed during the news conference, highlighting the dual threat of criminal and civil repercussions Shameka Williams faces, which could amount to damages up to $5,000.
The 13-year-old, as well as a 16-year-old, pleaded guilty in family court in connection with the shooting death of K-9 Bumi, Lott said. The 13-year-old, who was also accused of firing at a deputy, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and first-degree assault and battery, while the 16-year-old admitted to obstruction of justice, according to Lott.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department continues to promote various youth-oriented programs, aiming to steer young individuals away from pathways leading to crime.
