Charges Dismissed Against Maranatha Christian School Employee Jessica Elmore in Florence, South Carolina

Charges of two counts of failing to report child abuse or neglect have been dismissed against Jessica Elmore, according to Twelfth Circuit Deputy Solicitor Todd Tucker. Elmore had been accused, along with two others at Maranatha Christian School in Florence County, South Carolina, of failing to report abuse of two children by a former daycare worker.

The former daycare worker, Laurin Boyce, 73, pleaded guilty in May to two felony counts of unlawful conduct toward a child. Boyce received concurrent 90-day sentences with credit for time served. Prosecutors said the plea was negotiated and was made with the consent of the victims and all parties in the case.

Investigators alleged that on Jan. 23, Boyce repeatedly assaulted a child in a manner they described in the case record. They also said that on Jan. 30, Boyce approached a child on the playground and physically mistreated the child in a second alleged incident. These were allegations reported by investigators, and the criminal case against Boyce ended with the guilty plea described above.

South Carolina law requires certain professionals, including teachers, principals and counselors, to report known or suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. Tucker said that as the investigation continued, it appeared Elmore had reported some concerns. After consulting with the families of the victims, Tucker said all of them agreed that the charges against Elmore should be dismissed in the best interests of justice. The families’ input shaped the outcome, a step that reflects speaking up for those who cannot protect themselves (Proverbs 31:8-9).

Earlier reports tied to the case noted that three Maranatha Christian School employees were still not permitted to return to work after charges were filed. A separate lawsuit was also filed against the school following the child abuse investigation.

Elmore’s lawyers, Rose Mary Parham and Shipp Daniel, said they will release a statement at a later time.

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