CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. — A Chester County deputy was fired this week after investigators alleged he used rescue squad debit card for nearly $2,000 in personal purchases, officials announced Friday.
Joshua Cauthen, 32, was charged Friday with breach of trust with criminal intent less than $2,000 following an investigation by South Carolina state investigators. He was fired on Nov. 1 by the Chester County Sheriff's Office, which requested the state's investigation into allegations that Cauthen committed these acts through his role with the Great Falls Rescue Squad.
Cauthen served as a deputy in Chester County from February 2021 until his firing this week.
According to an arrest warrant, Cauthen made 13 personal purchases between Jan. 16 and July 12 with a debit card he was given while serving as a first lieutenant with the rescue squad. The alleged purchases were made in Chester, Lancaster, Horry and York counties, totaling $1,659.28. Cauthen was identified as the suspect through video surveillance, financial records and witness statements, the warrant states.
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WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshot of the suspect in this case due to his job as a public servant.