Alton Jeffery Smith : “Dead People’s Prescribed Drugs Found in Ex-Coroner’s Possession, SC Cops Say”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Illegal possession of prescription drugs
2. Deceased patient prescription abuse

A former employee of the coroner’s office in South Carolina, Alton Jeffery Smith, has been charged with misconduct in office and possession of controlled substances. Smith, who used to be the chief deputy coroner of the Aiken County Coroner’s Office, was found in possession of drugs prescribed to individuals whose deaths he had investigated. The drugs, including Percocet EQ and oxycodone-acetaminophen, were taken from death investigations Smith responded to in his official capacity. If convicted, Smith faces up to six months in jail and a £1,000 fine for the drug charge, and a year behind bars and a £1,000 fine for the misconduct in office charge.

The Incident at Aiken County Coroner’s Office

A former employee of the Aiken County Coroner’s Office in South Carolina has been charged with multiple crimes after a shocking discovery. Alton Jeffery Smith, a 60-year-old resident of Aiken, was found in possession of drugs that were prescribed to individuals whose deaths he had previously investigated. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) revealed that Smith, who used to be the chief deputy coroner, now faces charges of misconduct in office and possession of a controlled substance.

Smith’s Alleged Wrongdoings

According to SLED, Smith had been associated with the Aiken County Coroner’s Office from September 22, 2018, through June 10, 2023. On the latter date, his home was searched by Aiken County Sheriff’s Office deputies, resulting in the discovery of drugs that were not prescribed to Smith or any other resident of the property. These drugs, including Percocet EQ, oxycodone-acetaminophen, zolpidem tartrate, and alprazolam, were linked to death investigations that Smith had been involved in during his tenure as deputy coroner.

The Investigation and Legal Ramifications

The arrest warrant stated that Smith failed to report the medications seized from death investigations he had conducted. This negligence led to his arrest and subsequent booking into the Aiken County Detention Center. While specific details about his bond status were not immediately available, Smith is set to be prosecuted by the 2nd Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

If convicted on the misdemeanor drug charge, which is considered a first offense, Smith could face a maximum punishment of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine under South Carolina law. Similarly, a conviction on the misdemeanor misconduct in office charge carries a maximum penalty of a year behind bars and a $1,000 fine.

Conclusion

The case of Alton Jeffery Smith serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards in law enforcement and public service. The alleged actions of Smith not only undermine the trust placed in coroner’s offices but also highlight the potential consequences of abusing one’s position for personal gain. As the legal proceedings unfold, the residents of Aiken County will be watching closely to see justice served in this troubling case.