Former Officer Bennie Hand Charged with Sexually Abusing Vulnerable Adult

A former Wellford police officer was arrested Tuesday by state agents after they said he sexually and physically abused a vulnerable adult.

The State Law Enforcement Division said between July 1, 2012 and Jan. 1, 2013, 32-year-old Bennie Hand sexually battered and physically abused the victim, who suffers from a mental condition impairing her from providing her own care or protecting herself.

During the abuse, SLED said Hand worked as a Wellford police officer.

Wellford Mayor Thomas Watson said the city received a complaint about the allegations made against Hand and called in SLED to investigate. He was placed on administrative leave when the investigation began and was fired following his arrest, Watson said.

Hand was arrested on charges of misconduct in office, criminal sexual conduct third degree and abuse of a vulnerable adult.

State agents were called in to investigate at the request of Wellford police and the 13th Circuit Solicitor's Office will prosecute the case.

Hand is being held at the Spartanburg County Detention Center.

Officer Alan Shelley Charged with Exploitation of Vulnerable Adult

A former Lake City and Darlington police officer has been arrested by the State Law Enforcement Division’s Special Victims Unit on allegations he exploited and neglected a vulnerable adult, according to a SLED press release.

Alan Ross Shelley, 52, of Room 113 at The Holiday Inn Express, 202 Ron McNair Blvd., is charged with exploitation of a vulnerable adult and neglect of a vulnerable adult.

Shelley is accused of improperly using the funds of his late aunt, 81-year-old Katherine Carlsten Shelley, for his own and his acquaintances’ use, according to the release. He also is accused of failing to provide her with the proper medication she required. It’s believed that the accused neglect placed her at substantial risk for her death. These incidents occurred between July 24, 2007 and Sept. 14, 2007.

Katherine Shelley, who was considered to be a vulnerable adult, had a physical condition that impaired her from adequately taking care of herself, according to the release. Alan Shelley was her caregiver and had power of attorney for her. She died Sept. 14, 2007.

If convicted of both felonies, Alan Shelley could face a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than five years.