News Summary
Anthony Strickland, a Myrtle Beach man wrongfully accused of child sexual assault, has received a $50,000 settlement after spending 14 days in jail. The accuser’s charges against him were dropped in 2018, but the aftermath caused significant distress in his life. Strickland had to navigate complex legal battles and custody issues before finally achieving some measure of justice with the settlement financed by the South Carolina Insurance Reserve Fund. This case highlights the serious implications of wrongful accusations and the importance of safeguarding legal integrity in the justice system.
Myrtle Beach Man Wrongfully Arrested Receives Settlement
In a surprising turn of events, a man from Myrtle Beach has received $50,000 in a settlement due to a wrongful arrest tied to grave accusations involving child sexual assault. Anthony Strickland, who found himself at the center of a deeply unsettling case, was initially accused of heinous acts while managing a now-closed strip club named Chez Joey. The 15th Judicial Circuit Solicitor, Jimmy Richardson, agreed to the settlement in October, closing this painful chapter in Strickland’s life.
The Legal Battle Begins
Strickland’s tumultuous journey started back in 2016 when he, along with three others, was arrested on disturbing charges related to making child pornography. Allegations pointed towards a horrific scenario involving forced sexual acts by and upon young children, specifically a set of four-year-old twins. As the case unraveled, Strickland maintained his innocence—his charges were ultimately dropped in 2018 after the police confirmed that he played no role in the alleged crimes.
Although he spent 14 days behind bars and had to post an $80,000 bond, his troubles did not stop there. Following his release, Strickland faced an intense scrutiny from the Department of Social Services regarding his custody of his own children. Fortunately, this case was resolved, allowing him to retain full custody.
The Price of Justice
Strickland initiated legal proceedings against the Horry County Police for malicious prosecution, while also pursuing claims for defamation and civil conspiracy. In total, the legal defense against the lawsuit piled up to nearly $90,000. The settlement, along with the incurred court fees, was generously covered by the South Carolina Insurance Reserve Fund.
Interestingly enough, while the case was settled in the fall of 2021, specifics regarding the payout were only made public this year, leaving many scratching their heads. Additionally, the Horry County Police had a share in the settlement, but those details remain unclear in the disclosed documents. Strickland’s attorney and the solicitor opted not to elaborate on the settlement amount, keeping the finer details shrouded in secrecy.
Impacted Lives
The fallout from these accusations didn’t just inconvenience Strickland; it also profoundly affected his reputation and way of life. Public perception shifted dramatically, as he was thrust into a spotlight he never asked for. Despite this, Strickland remained compliant throughout the investigation, undergoing state searches and polygraph testing to prove his innocence.
Meanwhile, the other three individuals initially implicated in the case did not fare as well. Panteleimon Spirakis received a 20-year prison sentence, while Ambrose Heavener and Lindsey Honeycutt pled guilty to their respective charges, each receiving 15-year sentences. Honeycutt, in particular, confessed to having committed unspeakable acts against her own twins, painting a vivid picture of the chaos that unfolded behind the scenes.
Looking Forward
Strickland believes that the scrutiny and his subsequent wrongful arrest were influenced by Richardson, leaving scars that will take time to heal. After years of legal battles and turmoil, Strickland hopes to finally move on from this dark chapter in his life and reclaim some normalcy. Settlements like this one are crucial, reminding us all of the importance of fair legal processes and the potential for devastating consequences when they fail.
As the dust settles in Myrtle Beach, Strickland’s story serves as a stirring reminder of the arduous journey many face when wrongfully accused. While he awaits a brighter future, the community can only hope for a more just and careful handling of such serious accusations moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- My Horry News: Myrtle Beach Man Arrested
- WBTW News: North Carolina Man Accused
- WPDE: High School Employee Arrested
- Wikipedia: Child Sexual Abuse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Abuse
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
