Fake Abduction: Police say South Carolina teen staged his own kidnapping; family members hurt
By Graham Cawthon
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LEXINGTON, South Carolina (WJCL) — A teen who was reported kidnapped during an armed home invasion in South Carolina is now accused of helping plan the crime himself, police said.
Lexington Police Chief Terrence Green said the case began Sunday night when two armed men broke into a home on Hendrix Street. Investigators said the intruders, both described as Black males, threatened and assaulted several relatives inside the house, whose ages ranged from 12 to 61.
During the break-in, police initially believed 17-year-old Sema’j Corvin Gardner had been abducted, prompting an extensive search and investigation.
Investigation shifts
As detectives worked with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI, authorities said they uncovered evidence that Gardner had conspired with the two suspects to stage his own kidnapping.
Gardner was found Monday evening and arrested, police said.
Because he is being charged as an adult, Gardner was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center. He faces six counts of kidnapping, six counts of first-degree assault and battery, conspiracy, pointing and presenting a weapon, and first-degree burglary.
At a bond hearing, Gardner was denied bond and remains in custody, authorities said.
Another teen arrested, third suspect sought
Police also arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with the case. He is charged with six counts of kidnapping, six counts of first-degree assault and battery, conspiracy, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, pointing and presenting a weapon, and first-degree burglary.
The teen is being held by the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice while awaiting a bond hearing in Lexington County Family Court.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are still looking for a third suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Cpl. Kenneth Heath at 803-358-1557 or kheath@lexsc.gov.
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