Former McBee officer arrested on harassment charge

A former McBee police officer has been arrested and charged with harassment following an investigation by the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office into allegations involving repeated unwanted electronic 

James A. Holden

communications.
According to Chesterfield County Sheriff Cambo Streater, deputies arrested James A. Holden, 31, of Hartsville, on June 10 and charged him with second-degree harassment.
The charge stems from an investigation into allegations that Holden directed repeated unwanted electronic communications toward a family member.
Streater said the investigation began after concerns were reported to law enforcement.
“When members of our community report behavior that causes them to fear for their safety or well-being, we have a duty to investigate,” Streater said. “Our investigators followed the evidence, and when probable cause was established, appropriate action was taken. This investigation remains active and ongoing.”
It was noted that Holden was employed by the McBee Police Department when the investigation was initiated.
However, officials said the alleged harassment occurred while Holden was on active military leave for training and was not performing any duties on behalf of the department.
Streater said the McBee Police Department was notified of the investigation and cooperated throughout the process.
Following Holden’s arrest, the McBee Police Department announced that his employment had been terminated.
In a statement released by McBee Police Chief Timothy Knight, the department emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability.
“Following his arrest by the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, Holden’s employment with the McBee Police Department was terminated,” said Knight. “He is no longer employed by or affiliated with this agency.”
Knight said the department takes all allegations of misconduct seriously, regardless of an individual’s position, and believes it is important to keep the public informed when matters arise that could affect community trust.
It was reiterated that Holden was serving on active military leave during the time the alleged incidents occurred and was not acting in his capacity as a police officer.
“We will continue to fully cooperate with and assist the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office with any information or support they may require as this case moves through the judicial process,” said Knight.