SLED Charges Three in Beaufort County for Aiding Escaped Convict

SLED Charges Three in Beaufort County for Aiding Escaped Convict

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. – Three individuals in Beaufort County have been charged by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for allegedly aiding and harboring an escapee wanted for numerous counts of human trafficking, as well as sexual exploitation of minors. The accused are Kalynn Jade Cloud, 20, Amani Nekwan Vaughn, 30, and Guy Frank Talley III, 27.

The Case

The escaped convict, Jaquan Duvall Barnes, 29, was discovered in Jacksonville by the Sheriff’s deputies on July 7. After being found, Barnes was extradited back to South Carolina, where he was officially charged on July 11 with the following:

• Human trafficking of a minor,
• Two counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor,
• Two counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor,
• Contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and
• Unlawful escape.

Barnes was reportedly awaiting trial and sentencing at the Jasper County Detention Center when he managed to escape by using tools and implementing a pre-arranged escape plan.

The Accused

Cloud, Vaughn, and Talley are alleged to have harbored Barnes at Talley’s home in Beaufort around June 9 or June 10. Warrants reveal that all four individuals have since been booked and are currently being held in the Beaufort County Detention Center.

The exact details of the role each of the accused played in aiding and harboring Barnes, as well as how the convict managed to orchestrate his escape, are yet to be revealed.

Current investigations indicate the serious nature of these felonies, highlighting issues surrounding human trafficking, exploitation of minors, and matters concerning detention center security. The matter will be followed closely as further details are to be revealed.