Aiken, South Carolina, January 18, 2026

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has demoted two employees after an internal investigation revealed they engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship at the agency’s headquarters. Sheriff Marty Sawyer took immediate action to uphold the professional standards of the department, reinforcing the importance of accountability and integrity within law enforcement. No identities of the involved employees have been disclosed to maintain privacy. This incident emphasizes the Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to maintaining a trustworthy work environment as they serve and protect the community.

Aiken, South Carolina

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has taken decisive action, demoting two employees following an internal investigation that uncovered inappropriate conduct at the agency’s headquarters. Sheriff Marty Sawyer initiated the disciplinary measures last month after discovering the individuals were engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship at the facility. This swift response underscores the department’s commitment to upholding professional standards and accountability within its ranks.

The internal investigation concluded that the two employees violated established protocols designed to ensure a professional work environment and maintain the integrity of the Sheriff’s Office. Upon learning of the misconduct, Sheriff Sawyer moved promptly to address the situation, leading to the demotions. The identities of the demoted employees have not been publicly released, consistent with the nature of internal personnel matters.

Maintaining public trust is paramount for any law enforcement agency, and the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that all personnel are expected to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, both on and off duty. The actions taken by Sheriff Sawyer reflect a firm stance against any behavior that compromises the professionalism or reputation of the department. Internal investigations serve as a critical mechanism for self-governance and accountability within law enforcement, ensuring that any allegations of misconduct are thoroughly reviewed and appropriate disciplinary actions are administered.

The incident highlights the continuous need for vigilance in upholding ethical standards within public service. Law enforcement officers and employees are entrusted with significant responsibilities, and their conduct is under constant scrutiny by the communities they serve. This expectation extends to their behavior within the workplace, where professionalism is essential for operational effectiveness and public confidence. The demotion of the two employees sends a clear message about the consequences of failing to meet these fundamental expectations.

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to fostering a work environment where integrity and respect are paramount. The disciplinary action taken reflects a commitment to these values and reassures the community that the department remains steadfast in its mission to serve and protect with the utmost professionalism. While internal personnel matters are handled with discretion, the outcome of such investigations demonstrates a transparent approach to accountability when misconduct occurs. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to reinforce its policies and procedures to prevent future occurrences and maintain the high standards expected of all its personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened at the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office?

Two Aiken County Sheriff’s Office employees were demoted following an internal investigation into inappropriate conduct.

Why were the employees demoted?

The employees were demoted after an internal investigation found they engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship at ACSO headquarters.

Who took action against the employees?

Sheriff Marty Sawyer took action to demote the employees.

When did the inappropriate conduct occur?

The inappropriate conduct was discovered last month, leading to disciplinary action also taken last month.

Where did the inappropriate conduct take place?

The inappropriate conduct took place at the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office headquarters.

Are the names of the demoted employees public?

The identities of the demoted employees have not been publicly released.

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Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

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