CCSO releases body-worn camera footage involving former deputy

**Warning: Body camera footage contains graphic language** The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is releasing body-worn camera footage of a pursuit that occurred on Oct. 21, 2023, which involved former deputy James H. Carter. Carter was terminated Nov. 9 during an investigation into the incident which found that he had committed egregious policy violations. He was subsequently charged by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division after the Sheriff’s Office requested an investigation. SLED’s investigation is ongoing.

On Monday, Sheriff Kristin Graziano spoke about the release of Carter’s body-worn camera footage and the agency’s zero tolerance policy on behavior that was captured by Carter’s camera.

“Our agency and law enforcement in general has no tolerance for the kind of behavior that was witnessed on that body camera,” Graziano said. “We believe the immediate and appropriate action was taken as a result of it.”

Leaders of the community, including the Rev. Lawrence Bratton of the Bible Way Baptist Church, also spoke:

“What we saw on the video clearly shows that there was a violation of policy,” Bratton said. “I want to commend the sheriff and her department for reaching out to leaders and bringing us in so that we can find and see for ourselves what the truth really is.”

The entirety of Carter’s body-worn camera was released to local media.