Berkeley County, S.C. – A 53-year-old woman was arrested in Berkeley County after her 12-year-old granddaughter was found stranded in marshland following a dangerous jet ski incident on Tuesday.
Incident Details
Anne Lachell Sellers, the grandmother, was with her granddaughter on separate jet skis when they became stranded due to one of the jet skis malfunctioning. Despite the hazardous conditions, including strong currents and high winds, Sellers instructed the juvenile to swim back to shore for help, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
Around 12:30 p.m., a large rescue operation was launched, involving multiple agencies, including the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol, the BCSO Dive Team, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the US Coast Guard, Naval Weapons Station Fire Department, and Pimlico Fire Department.
Juvenile Found and Taken to Hospital
The young girl was eventually found in marshland about 600 yards from the boat ramp, suffering from cuts and abrasions on her arms and legs. She was quickly transported to a local hospital for treatment and evaluation.
Investigation and Arrest
Sheriff Duane Lewis expressed concerns about the safety of the juvenile, saying, “Careless decisions that endanger the lives of juveniles will not be tolerated, and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.”
During the investigation, Sellers was initially untruthful about the events leading to the incident. It was later revealed that one of the jet skis had not been working properly, which contributed to them becoming stranded. Following the investigation, Sellers was charged with Unlawful Conduct Towards a Minor and was taken to the Hill-Finklea Detention Center, where she is awaiting a bond hearing.
South Carolina Department of Social Services Informed
The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) was notified of the incident, as part of the ongoing investigation into Sellers’ actions.
This incident highlights the importance of making responsible decisions when it comes to the safety of minors. Anne Sellers’ reckless actions led to a dangerous situation for her granddaughter, resulting in her arrest. As the investigation continues, authorities emphasize that careless behavior, especially when it puts young lives at risk, will be met with full legal consequences.
