Four South Carolina Public Officials Facing Multiple Charges

OKATIE, S.C. – Four officials in Hampton County and Bluffton, South Carolina, have been indicted on several charges. These indictments result from investigations by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office Public Integrity Unit.

Hampton County Indictments

Rose Dobson-Elliott, the former Hampton County administrator, stands accused of embezzlement of public funds in an amount less than $10,000. The charge stems from her alleged personal use of a county account in March 2023.

Justin Edwards, a former Hampton County deputy sheriff, is facing charges of misconduct and embezzlement of public funds greater than $10,000. The charges arise from Edwards allegedly using county funds for personal expenses from April 2019 and December 2022.

Bluffton Indictments

Two Bluffton officials also find themselves under scrutiny. Thomas Rauchfuss, a former civilian employee of the Bluffton Police Department, has been indicted on charges of obstruction of justice due to his alleged theft of firearms from the department in April 2024.

Bonificio Perez, a police officer in Bluffton, is charged with misconduct in office. His charges stem from the alleged assistance he gave to Rauchfuss in the theft of the firearms.

The Indictment Process

The indictions were secured in both Hampton and Beaufort counties after a thorough investigation by the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division. Following the indictments, the defendants will typically be summoned to appear in General Sessions Court for bond setting. No court dates have currently been set for the defendants.

Looking forward, the investigations leading to the indictments are still ongoing, and the Public Integrity unit continues to push for clarity and justice.