Children Still Missing-Warrants Issued

Bennett Photo Clip 2

Laverne Bennett

Image3Warrants have been issued for the arrest of a Walhalla woman who has not returned her four daughters. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office issued four warrants against 44 year-old Laverne Marie Bennett of Fairfield Road, Walhalla. Bennett is accused of failing to return each minor female child to the father, Bruce L. Bennett who has primary custody of the children. The warrant also alleges that Bennett “has concealed” the children from Bruce L. Bennett, “who has primary placement and from law enforcement.”The four warrants are for each of the four missing, 10 year old Lillian Marie Bennett, 9 year oldchildren who are Minnie May Blanche Bennett, 8 year old Carolina Amaryles Bennett, and 6 year old Emily Grace Bennett. The warrants list the incident as occurring at 713 Shelor Ferry Road in Fair Play, which is the father’s residence. According to South Carolina law, since the children were not returned within 72 hours of the violation, each charge is now considered a felony, and carries a penalty of up to five years in prison per charge and a fine to be determined at the discretion of the court. Had the children been returned within 72 hours, the charges would have been misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of up to three years in prison per charge and a fine at the discretion of the court. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is still seeking the public’s help in locating the mother and the four girls, so citizens are asked to call the Oconee County Sheriffs’ Office at 864-638-4111. You can also contact Crimestoppers at 864-638-STOP, 1-888-CRIME-SC, or text in your tip to 274637. You don’t have to give your name and if you tip leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.