Moncks Corner, S.C. — Anne Lachell Sellers, a 53-year-old grandmother, is facing criminal charges after allegedly instructing her 12-year-old granddaughter to “swim for help” in dangerous waters after the two became stranded on jet skis at Bushy Parking Boat Landing.
The Incident
According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon when the 12-year-old girl was reported missing. Sellers called 911, stating that both she and her granddaughter were stranded on their jet skis, and that her granddaughter had attempted to swim to shore for help.
As a result, authorities launched an extensive search operation involving marine vessels and drones to locate the missing child. Search teams later found the 12-year-old girl in the marshland, about 500 yards from the boat ramp. The girl was taken to a local hospital with cuts to her arms and legs that she sustained while swimming.
Both the grandmother and the granddaughter were safely brought to shore following the rescue operation.
Investigation and Charges
Upon further investigation, deputies discovered that Sellers lied during initial interviews. Sellers and her granddaughter had taken separate jet skis, and one of the jet skis was reportedly not working correctly. When the two became stranded in the marshland, Sellers allegedly told her granddaughter to swim for help, despite the strong currents, high winds, and potential wildlife threats in the area.
Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis expressed concern over Sellers’ actions, emphasizing the danger of her decision. “Careless decisions that endanger the lives of juveniles will not be tolerated, and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law,” Lewis said. He further stated that not only was the child’s life at risk, but so were the lives of the first responders who entered dangerous conditions to rescue the girl.
Legal Outcome
Anne Lachell Sellers has been charged with unlawful conduct toward a minor. She is currently being held at the Hill-Finklea Detention Center, where she awaits a bond hearing.
