FBI Arrests Florence Woman in Connection to Darlington Deputy’s Murder
DARLINGTON, S.C. — Federal and state authorities have arrested a 29-year-old Florence woman in connection to the murder of Darlington County Deputy Frank “Devin” Mason, who was shot and killed in July while serving warrants at a home in Lamar.
FBI and SLED Confirm Arrest
According to the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Kristen Taylor Porter was arrested Thursday and charged with making false statements related to the purchase of four firearms earlier this year. Officials say she knowingly provided one of those guns to a federally prohibited person, Cameron Ray Dennett, who was later involved in the deadly ambush.
“The indictment charges that Porter lied when purchasing four firearms from a federally licensed dealer by falsely affirming she was the actual buyer,” the FBI said in a statement.
Charges and Additional Offenses
Porter faces federal charges for the firearm violations and two additional state counts of neglect by legal custodian, which SLED confirmed are unrelated to the shooting. Booking records show she was taken into custody at the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center in Hartsville around 3:15 p.m. Thursday.
Details of the Deadly July Shooting
On July 1, Darlington County deputies responded to a 911 call for service at a mobile home on Old Timers Court in Lamar, where they were assisting the Florence County Sheriff’s Office in serving seven active warrants against Cameron Dennett, including criminal conspiracy, forgery, and second-degree computer fraud.
“When deputies arrived and searched the home, they encountered the man, who was armed with a gun,” SLED reported. During the confrontation, two deputies and Dennett were shot.
Deputy Frank Devin Mason, 27, died from his injuries, while Dennett — who was prohibited from owning firearms — was also killed.
Investigation Expands to Federal Level
Federal investigators later determined that Porter had purchased firearms on Dennett’s behalf in February and March 2025, making her a key figure in the investigation. Authorities believe one of those guns was used in the deadly encounter.
Porter’s arrest marks the first federal charge connected to the ambush. The case remains under investigation by SLED, the FBI, and the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Mason, remembered by colleagues as a dedicated public servant and U.S. Army veteran, was laid to rest at Williamson Crossroads Baptist Church Cemetery in July.
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