News Summary
The Greenwood community is reeling from multiple child neglect and abuse charges against local residents. Notable cases include Kristen Dickey, who faces charges after her newborn tested positive for fentanyl, and Kaleb Adam Harrison, linked to serious child injuries. Legislative efforts are underway to enhance child protection laws in response to these alarming incidents, as the community rallies for change.
Child Neglect and Abuse Charges Rock Greenwood Community
In a disheartening turn of events, the lovely community of Greenwood has been shaken by a series of child neglect and abuse allegations that have recently come to light. Local authorities have charged several residents with serious offenses, igniting conversations and concern among the townsfolk.
A Mother’s Struggles: Kristen Dickey in the Spotlight
First on the list is 26-year-old Kristen Dickey, who has been charged with unlawful neglect of a child. Living at 1109 Anderson St., Dickey found herself in a precarious situation after giving birth to her daughter on February 16, 2025, at the Self Regional Medical Center. Just three days post-delivery, hospital staff were surprised to learn that Dickey’s newborn had tested positive for fentanyl. This alarming revelation prompted them to alert the Department of Social Services (DSS), launching an immediate investigation.
As the investigation unfolded, DSS discovered that Dickey also had fentanyl and meth in her system. It didn’t take long for the Greenwood police to respond to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where Dickey voluntarily waived her rights and confessed that she occasionally used both substances while pregnant. Disturbingly, she indicated that her last use occurred just the night before she went into labor, leaving many concerned for her newborn’s health and future.
Currently, Kristen Dickey remains behind bars at the Greenwood Detention Center with a hefty bond set at $75,000. The community is rallying for change, hoping to address the underlying issues that led to this tragic situation.
Kaleb Adam Harrison’s Disturbing Report
In addition to Dickey’s case, 20-year-old Kaleb Adam Harrison, residing at 100 Douglas Court Apartments, was also charged with unlawful neglect of a child or helpless person. Harrison’s troubles began when an 11-month-old child arrived at Self Regional Medical Center’s emergency room on January 17, 2025, sporting visible head injuries without any prior medical history. This incident raised serious alarms about potential child abuse.
The community is understandably upset by the nature of these incidents, as they shine a light on the grim reality of child neglect and abuse that some families are facing.
A Couple’s Alarming Allegations
But the unsettling news doesn’t stop with Harrison. A Greenwood couple, identified as Cameron Breazeale (22) and Ansley Dupuis (19), both living at 207 New Market St., has recently attracted legal attention as well. On January 25, police arrested this couple after a 6-month-old baby was discovered with a fractured right femur, believed to be a new injury that raises serious suspicions of child abuse.
The South Carolina Department of Social Services has also stepped in to investigate this eye-opening case. With each revelation, community members are left questioning what they can do to protect their vulnerable children and why these situations keep occurring.
Legislative Efforts Aim to Combat Child Abuse
In the wake of these distressing events, lawmakers are taking action. Efforts are underway to expand the age threshold for the homicide by child abuse law in South Carolina from under 11 to under 18. This shift aims to provide better protections for older children and create a more robust legal framework for addressing child abuse cases effectively.
Currently, proving malice aforethought is required for murder charges in incidents involving older children, complicating the prosecution’s struggle to secure convictions. Community advocates hope these legislative changes will strengthen the state’s ability to combat child abuse and keep families safe.
The Greenwood community is devastated but resilient. As they face these troubling allegations, residents are uniting to stand against child neglect and abuse while calling for increased awareness and support for families in need. It’s a tough road ahead, but together, they can drive change and build a safer environment for all children in Greenwood.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Columbia Falls Man Receives 20-Year Sentence for Stabbing
Minnesota’s New Laws Set to Transform Life in 2025
Longtime Death Row Inmate in South Carolina Resentenced to Life Without Parole Following Reevaluation of Psychiatric Background
Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Greenwood Man Faces Child Neglect Charges
- Fox Carolina: Solicitors Push Rewrite of Homicide by Child Abuse Law
- Index Journal: Two Face Charges of Child Abuse
- KVOE: Greenwood County Deputies Arrest Two Men in Separate Aggravated Endangerment Cases
- BBC News: Child Abuse and Neglect Overview
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
