Former College of Charleston Public Safety officer Robert Arnett, 34, faces charges of assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct (1st degree) and misconduct in office following an alleged incident on December 6, 2025. He was arrested at the department’s headquarters that evening and released on $125,000 bond the next day.​
Incident Overview
The case began when a severely intoxicated woman was found incoherent on a sidewalk near King and Spring Streets around 1:40 a.m. after separating from friends on King Street. Arnett, responding as a public safety officer, reportedly turned off his body-worn camera, escorted her home, and was later found by witnesses kissing her in a bathroom while she remained incapacitated and unable to consent.​
Employment Aftermath
Hired as a dispatcher in May 2024 and promoted to officer in September, Arnett was suspended without pay upon arrest and terminated Sunday after an initial probe. The college emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for ethical breaches and is cooperating with Charleston Police in the ongoing investigation.
