Former Darlington Police Sergeant Arrested for Allegedly Paying for Home Repairs with Seized THC Vapes

DARLINGTON, S.C. – A former police sergeant in Darlington, South Carolina, has been arrested and is facing charges after allegedly using confiscated THC vapes to pay for home repairs. Mark Anthony Hayes Jr. is accused of using evidence seized during a police raid as personal currency, a move that has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about police integrity in the small town.

According to court documents, on October 13, 2024, Hayes, then a sergeant with the Darlington Police Department, seized 788 vape cartridges suspected of containing THC from a local smoke shop. The haul was intended as evidence in an ongoing investigation.

However, almost two months later, on December 4, 2024, the situation took a bizarre turn. An anonymous informant, brought to Hayes’s home to repair a malfunctioning water heater, was allegedly paid for their services with the very items Hayes had seized weeks prior.

An affidavit reveals that after the water heater was repaired, Hayes allegedly drove the informant to the Darlington Police Department after 10 p.m. and provided them with three cases of vapes. These vapes reportedly perfectly matched those seized from the smoke shop on October 13th. Authorities estimate the street value of the three cases to be in excess of $2,000.

The alleged use of seized evidence for personal gain has sent shockwaves through the Darlington community. “This is a clear violation of public trust,” said a spokesperson for the Darlington Police Department, who declined to be named. “We are cooperating fully with the investigation and are committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct within our ranks.”

Hayes has since been arrested and is facing multiple charges, including misappropriation of evidence and abuse of power. He is currently being held at the Darlington County Detention Center pending further legal proceedings.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are looking into any potential past instances of similar misconduct by Hayes. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of police accountability and the need for strict adherence to ethical standards within law enforcement. The incident has undoubtedly damaged the reputation of the Darlington Police Department, and the community now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust in its officers.