Trooper who was seriously hurt in crash now accused of sexual assault by his caregiver

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS/Gray News) - A state trooper who was seriously injured while on the job earlier this year has been accused of sexual assault by one of his caregivers.

WARNING: This story contains details of alleged sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised.

Master Trooper Wayne LaBounty, who was injured by a pickup truck driver on Sept. 9, has been accused of sexual assault by one of his home health aides.

The aide filed a complaint with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, which referred the investigation to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to avoid a potential conflict of interest.

SLED confirmed Wednesday that an investigation into LaBounty is “active and ongoing.”

According to a copy of the complaint obtained by WIS, LaBounty began making sexually explicit comments to the aide on Nov. 21 while she massaged his legs as part of his care routine.

He then allegedly told the aide to come into his bedroom because “he needed help” before exposing himself and making multiple physical advances toward her.

The caregiver claimed LaBounty pinned her arms by her side against the door and began kissing her neck. She told investigators she told him to stop, saying she felt uncomfortable and afraid. The caregiver said LaBounty continued his advances, making multiple derogatory and racially insensitive remarks as he lifted her shirt and kissed her chest.

The aide then said LaBounty suddenly stopped and she was able to get her things and leave the home. When she left, however, she said LaBounty told her, “What happens in this house stays in this house.”

The caretaker told investigators she was scheduled to work the entire weekend, but called out of work and reported what happened. According to the report, she claims she was told LaBounty “confided” the next day to another caregiver, saying he had made an advance the night before.

It was also noted in the report that another South Carolina state trooper was supposed to be present at a home whenever a caregiver is also there.

A spokesperson from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety clarified that this isn’t an official policy. The department said it provides a trooper for “emotional and physical support” for those recovering from line-of-duty injuries.

SCDPS added that it was aware of the allegations against LaBounty, but had no additional comment. The spokesperson also said LaBounty remains on extended medical leave.

LaBounty’s attorney, Robert Goings, told WIS that they first heard of the allegations on Tuesday.

“Because Trooper LaBounty is in an inpatient rehabilitation facility, we are unable to respond,” Goings said. “However, these allegations are completely out of character for Trooper LaBounty.”

LaBounty was hit by a truck while conducting a traffic stop on Augusta Road in September. He spent weeks in the hospital before recently being allowed to return home after completing physical therapy.

The allegations also come days after LaBounty filed a lawsuit claiming that the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department shares fault in the crash that injured him. Two other drivers, including the man charged in the crash, were also named in the suit.