Former Florence Co. Deputy pleads guilty to assault and misconduct in office charges

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that former Florence County Deputy Brian Proffitt pleaded guilty as charged Monday to assault and battery 2nd degree and misconduct in office. Proffitt used his flashlight to hit a handcuffed victim in the head after putting the man under arrest. The assault charge carries a sentence of up to three years in prison while common law misconduct in office carries up to 10 years.

The case was investigated by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.

Judge William L. Seals sentenced Proffitt to three years in prison, the maximum, suspended to six months in prison followed by four years of probation on the assault charge. On the misconduct in office charge, Judge Seals sentenced Proffitt to eight years in prison suspended to six months in prison followed by four years of probation. The sentences will run concurrent, which means Proffitt will serve a total of six months in prison and then four years of probation. The victim was present and had a statement read to the court.

This case was scheduled to pick a jury Monday in Florence when Proffitt entered his guilty plea.