MARLBORO COUNTY — An investigation by the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of two parents after their child was beaten with a belt, according to MCSO Chief Deputy Larry Turner.
Turner said after conducting an investigation, it was determined that the child sustained “bruising all over the body and what appeared to be a laceration to the back after being beaten with a belt by the stepfather.”
Vince Buchanan is charged with unlawful conduct toward a child.
Turner said the child’s mother, Sandra Buchanan, is charged with unlawful conduct toward a child.
He added the mother witnessed the abuse and failed to intervene or report the incident to law enforcement.
“In an interview, Sandra stated that the child had exhibited unruly behavior on occasion and that this incident marked the first beating the victim had endured this year,” said Turner.
He said deputies learned of the situation through administrators at the child’s school, who alerted the school resource officer to the situation.
Officials said the South Carolina Department of Social Services is providing assistance in the matter.