Former patrol officer faces misconduct in office charge after department investigation resulted in termination
CHARLESTON, S.C. — October 8, 2026
A former Charleston Police Department officer has been arrested and charged with misconduct in office following allegations that he engaged in a sexual encounter with a resident while conducting an on-duty welfare check at a James Island residence.
Stephen Austin Chavis, 27, was arrested Wednesday, October 7, 2026, by agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), according to an official statement from the agency.
The arrest followed a criminal investigation requested by the Charleston Police Department after department officials learned of the allegation in September.
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Alleged Incident During August Welfare Check
According to reporting by WCSC-TV, an arrest affidavit alleges that Chavis received oral sex from a resident while conducting a welfare check on August 28, 2026.
The alleged encounter occurred while Chavis was on duty and responding to a call for service at a residence on James Island, according to the Charleston Police Department.
The department’s public statement confirmed that the incident involved an alleged sexual encounter during an official response but did not provide the specific details described in WCSC’s reporting.
The allegation is the subject of a criminal charge and has not been established as fact through a criminal conviction.
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Charleston Police Department Initiates Investigation
According to an October 7 statement released by the Charleston Police Department, officials first learned of the allegation on September 8, 2026.
The department reported taking the following actions:
- September 8, 2026: Department officials learned of the allegation involving Chavis.
- September 8, 2026: Chavis was immediately placed on administrative leave without pay.
- The department requested an independent criminal investigation by SLED.
- Charleston Police initiated a separate administrative investigation into Chavis’s conduct.
- September 23, 2026: Chavis was terminated after the administrative investigation determined that he violated department policy.
- October 7, 2026: SLED arrested Chavis and charged him with misconduct in office.
The department’s administrative determination and the criminal charge are separate proceedings. A finding of a departmental policy violation does not independently establish criminal guilt.
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Police Chief Responds to Investigation
Charleston Police Chief Chito Walker addressed the matter in the department’s October 7 public statement.
Walker described the conduct substantiated by the administrative investigation as unacceptable and emphasized officers’ responsibility to exercise their authority appropriately.
The chief stated that the department would take action when an employee failed to meet professional and community standards.
The statement followed the department’s confirmation that Chavis had been terminated approximately two weeks before his arrest.
Officer’s Employment History and Previous Recognition
According to the Charleston Police Department, Chavis served with the agency for approximately three years and was assigned to its Patrol Division at the time of the alleged incident.
WCSC also reported that a photograph previously published on the department’s Facebook page showed Chavis receiving the Hawk Award in December 2024.
The award reportedly recognized leadership and overall excellence in training.
The reported award was issued before the August 2026 allegations and subsequent investigation.
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SLED Announces Criminal Charge and Prosecution
In its October 7 announcement, SLED identified Chavis by his full name, Stephen Austin Chavis, and confirmed that he had been charged with misconduct in office.
SLED also reported the following:
- The Charleston Police Department requested the independent state investigation.
- Chavis was booked into the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center in Charleston County.
- The criminal case will be prosecuted by the 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
SLED referred to its arrest warrants for further details surrounding the criminal allegations.
Current Status — October 8, 2026
As of October 8, 2026, the following developments have been publicly confirmed:
- Stephen Austin Chavis has been terminated from the Charleston Police Department.
- SLED arrested Chavis on October 7, 2026.
- Chavis faces a criminal charge of misconduct in office.
- SLED confirmed his booking into the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center.
- The 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office is responsible for prosecuting the case.
A subsequent bond determination, court appearance date, or criminal disposition has not been independently confirmed for this report.
Chavis is presumed innocent of the criminal charge unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Stephen Austin Chavis?
Stephen Austin Chavis is a former Charleston Police Department patrol officer who served with the department for approximately three years before his termination on September 23, 2026.
What is Chavis accused of doing?
According to WCSC’s reporting on an arrest affidavit, Chavis allegedly received oral sex from a resident while conducting an on-duty welfare check at a James Island residence on August 28, 2026.
What criminal charge does Chavis face?
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division charged Chavis with misconduct in office on October 7, 2026.
Why was Chavis fired?
The Charleston Police Department stated that a separate administrative investigation determined that Chavis violated departmental policy. His employment was terminated September 23, 2026.
Who is investigating and prosecuting the case?
SLED conducted the independent criminal investigation, and the 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office will prosecute the criminal case.
Has Chavis been convicted?
No criminal conviction has been confirmed in the publicly reviewed information as of October 8, 2026. The allegations remain subject to the criminal justice process.
Sources and Official Records
- South Carolina Law Enforcement Division — Official Criminal Charge Announcement, October 7, 2026
- Charleston Police Department — Official Statement on Chavis Arrest and Termination, October 7, 2026
- WCSC Live 5 News — Reporting on Allegations Contained in Arrest Affidavit
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