SC Man Accused of Holding Four Vulnerable Adults in Basement And Using Their Money
LANCASTER, S.C. — A South Carolina man has been arrested after authorities say he held four vulnerable adults captive in his basement, some for years, while stealing their money for his personal use.
The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Donnie Birchfield Jr., 36. Deputies discovered the disturbing situation after responding to a call on July 25, when a woman was found dead inside his home.
Victims Held in Basement for Years
Investigators said Birchfield kept a vulnerable married couple and two women — with whom he allegedly had romantic relationships — locked in his basement.
- One victim had been held for at least 10 years, police said.
- Victims were denied food, water, medication, and access to the outside world.
- Birchfield controlled when they could eat, use the bathroom, or use their phones.
The deceased woman, discovered during the initial response, was also among the group that investigators say suffered years of neglect and abuse.
Financial Exploitation and Threats
Authorities allege Birchfield stole from his victims by using their debit cards and bank accounts, even paying off his personal credit card debt.
Records show that one woman reported Birchfield threatened to kill her and claimed he knew “how to get rid of a body from past experience.”
Charges Filed
Birchfield was arrested on August 2 and faces a lengthy list of charges, including:
- Four counts of exploitation of a vulnerable adult
- Four counts of false imprisonment
- Two counts of domestic violence (high and aggravated nature)
- Two counts of abuse of a vulnerable adult
- Two counts of financial transaction card theft
- One count of transaction card fraud
- One count of financial identity fraud
He is being held on a $150,000 bond, though investigators say additional charges may follow as the case develops.
Defense Response
Birchfield’s attorney, M. Ryan Payne, has stated that his client maintains his innocence and reminded the public that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This shocking case has left Lancaster residents reeling, with many calling for stronger protections for vulnerable adults in South Carolina.
Do you believe South Carolina should expand oversight programs to protect vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation? Share your thoughts in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
