DARLINGTON, S.C. (WPDE) — The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) charged former Darlington police officer Mark Anthony Hayes with breach of trust and misconduct in office, according to officials.
Hayes was booked at the detention center just before 3 p.m. Thursday.
A source tells ABC 15 the charges stem from the mishandling of evidence.
Darlington Police Chief Jimmy Davis said he requested SLED to investigate following allegations against Hayes.
He said Hayes was placed on administrative leave and as of Thursday, is no longer employed with the department.
Hayes’ employment records show that he’s worked for the police department since 2018, according to the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
Those records don’t show any infractions against Hayes.
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He was a lead investigator with the department and credited with solving a number of violent crimes.
Davis released a statement on the case Thursday afternoon:
“I was informed of actions of some “off-duty” officers. Upon looking into the matter on March 24, 2025, I could see that any further investigation by this department would be a conflict of interest and should be investigated by an outside agency. I then contacted the State Law Enforcement Division and requested that they look further into the matter. While the actions of the “off-duty” officers were being investigated, the Officers resigned from the Department. The State Law Enforcement Division has informed me that this case has been closed with only D.P.D. policy violations discovered.
While investigating the actions of off-duty officers, a new allegation was made that another Officer had mishandled evidence. The State Law Enforcement Division was also requested to investigate this matter. Once their investigation started, Officer M. Hayes was placed on administrative leave. Earlier today (04/17/2025) Officer M. Hayes was relieved of his duties with the Darlington Police Dept.”
Hayes is being held in the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing.
