DevelopingLegal

Ex-South Carolina Officer Charged With Bank Fraud, Prostitution, and Obstruction of Justice

A former South Carolina police officer faces charges of bank fraud, prostitution, and obstruction of justice after allegedly paying for sexual services and filing a false fraud claim with his credit union.

Why it matters

This is a local criminal matter involving a former law enforcement officer. It has no direct bearing on cryptocurrency markets, regulation, or any crypto-related company. Its significance to the crypto news audience is limited.

Key facts

Fredrick Trent Payne, a 43-year-old former Pacolet Police Department officer, faces charges of bank fraud, prostitution, and obstruction of justice.

Reported by The Daily Hodl

Payne allegedly paid $203 for sexual acts at Royal Springs Massage in Boiling Springs using a debit card.

203 USDReported by The Daily Hodl

Six days after the payment, Payne allegedly called Founders Federal Credit Union to file a false $276 fraud claim on the transaction.

276 USDReported by The Daily Hodl

Payne allegedly spent the credited amount in person, causing an overdraft.

Reported by The Daily Hodl

Payne allegedly gave false statements to investigators during a May interview tied to the probe.

Reported by The Daily Hodl

Payne had worked briefly as a deputy with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office before joining the Pacolet Police Department.

Reported by The Daily Hodl

The South Carolina Attorney General's Office is handling prosecution after the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office requested assistance from the State Law Enforcement Division.

Reported by The Daily Hodl

Payne was booked into the Spartanburg County Detention Center following the charges.

Reported by The Daily Hodl

What happened

A 43-year-old former officer of the Pacolet Police Department in South Carolina, identified as Fredrick Trent Payne, faces charges of bank fraud, prostitution, and obstruction of justice, according to reporting by FOX Carolina via The Daily Hodl. Arrest documents allege Payne used a debit card to pay $203 for sexual acts at Royal Springs Massage in Boiling Springs, then six days later called Founders Federal Credit Union in Spartanburg County to file a false $276 fraud claim on that transaction. He allegedly spent the credited amount in person, causing an overdraft. Payne later allegedly provided false statements to investigators during a May interview tied to the probe. Payne had worked briefly as a deputy with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office before joining the Pacolet department. Authorities placed him on unpaid suspension once the investigation began, and he resigned days before his arrest. The South Carolina Attorney General's Office is handling prosecution after the sheriff's office requested assistance from the State Law Enforcement Division. This account is based on a single source.

How the story developed

  1. First report

    First report by The Daily Hodl

    Ex-South Carolina Officer Charged With Bank Fraud, Prostitution, Obstruction of Justice After Massage Parlor Payment: Report

    The Daily Hodl

  2. Update

    Payne allegedly paid for sexual services at Royal Springs Massage

    Arrest documents allege Payne used a debit card to pay $203 for sexual acts at Royal Springs Massage in Boiling Springs.

    The Daily Hodl

  3. Update

    Payne allegedly filed false fraud claim with credit union

    Six days after the payment, Payne allegedly called Founders Federal Credit Union to file a false $276 fraud claim and spent the credited amount, causing an overdraft.

    The Daily Hodl

  4. Update

    Payne allegedly gave false statements to investigators

    During a May interview tied to the probe, Payne allegedly provided false statements to investigators.

    The Daily Hodl

  5. Update

    Payne placed on unpaid suspension and resigned

    Authorities placed Payne on unpaid suspension once the investigation began; he resigned days before his arrest.

    The Daily Hodl

  6. Update

    Payne booked into Spartanburg County Detention Center

    Payne was booked into the Spartanburg County Detention Center following the charges.

    The Daily Hodl

Affected entities

Original sources