In a significant legal case, Jackie Chapman Jr. has been awarded $75,000 after claiming he was wrongfully arrested by a Charleston County Sheriff’s Office deputy. The incident, which occurred in August 2021, involved Deputy Dylan Vardon, who allegedly entered Chapman’s property without a warrant or cause, leading to Chapman’s arrest. The charges against Chapman were dropped, and he later suffered a fractured arm during his time in custody. This case highlights concerns about police conduct, civil rights violations, and the ongoing legal proceedings.
The Incident and Arrest
In August 2021, Deputy Dylan Vardon of the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office reportedly entered the fenced-in backyard of Jackie Chapman Jr.’s property off U.S. Highway 17 in Ravenel without a warrant or any apparent cause. Chapman was arrested on charges of public disorderly conduct, and the arrest occurred in front of Chapman’s mother, who witnessed the event.
According to Chapman’s lawsuit, filed in 2023, Vardon’s actions violated Chapman’s civil rights, and the arrest was deemed unlawful as it lacked a proper legal basis. The lawsuit further claims that the arrest was an abuse of power by Vardon.
The Lawsuit and Allegations
The lawsuit accuses Deputy Vardon of multiple serious allegations, including:
Violation of civil rights
Assault and battery
Malicious prosecution
Abuse of power
False imprisonment
Intentional infliction of distress
Trespassing
Negligence
Additionally, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is accused of negligent hiring practices and causing emotional distress to Chapman’s mother, who was reportedly traumatized by witnessing her son’s arrest. The legal case also alleges that Chapman’s constitutional rights were violated, specifically his free speech and right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure.
The Medical and Legal Aftermath
After being taken into custody, Chapman complained of arm pain, but according to the lawsuit, the jail staff ignored his medical concerns. It wasn’t until his release that a doctor confirmed Chapman had a fractured arm. Despite the physical injury, the public disorderly conduct charge was later dropped, and the arrest was expunged from Chapman’s record. However, the lawsuit highlights that Chapman’s injuries, time in jail, and the violation of his civil rights could not be erased through the legal process.
Settlement and Compensation
The case remains ongoing in district court, with the accusations still alleged. However, a settlement was reached in which the state paid Chapman and his family $75,000 to resolve the claim. This settlement was paid through the state program that provides insurance for sheriff’s offices, which covered the financial compensation for the wrongful arrest and the associated damages.
Deputy’s Employment Status
While Deputy Dylan Vardon no longer works for the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, he has been hired by the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy, confirming that he continues his law enforcement career in a different jurisdiction. This has raised questions about the hiring practices and oversight of law enforcement officers who may be involved in misconduct.
The settlement of $75,000 to Jackie Chapman Jr. and his family serves as a reminder of the importance of police accountability, especially when individuals’ civil rights are violated. While the case remains in the legal system, it underscores the need for careful attention to proper police conduct, medical treatment for detainees, and the prevention of misconduct within law enforcement agencies. As the legal proceedings continue, both the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office will likely face further scrutiny over their handling of this case.
