Full Notification

Shortly before 11:00 p.m. Thursday, June 30, 2022, deputies observed a moving violation and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle on Broad River Boulevard in Burton.
 
While deputies were speaking with the driver, they detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.
 
The driver, 30-year-old Aaron Atkins of St. Helena Island, was detained while a search of the vehicle was conducted.
 
Inside the vehicle, deputies located a handgun, as well as a trafficking weight of cocaine, a distribution amount of marijuana, some yet to be identified pills and cash.
 
After evaluating the evidence, deputies charged Atkins with trafficking cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, unlawful carry of a pistol, felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
 
Following his arrest, Atkins was transported to the Beaufort County Detention Center and incarcerated.
 
As of the time of this advisory, Atkins remained incarcerated.
 
The unidentified pills will be analyzed at the Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Laboratory.
 
Following those analyses, Atkins may face additional criminal charges.
 
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office appreciates your partnership in the safety of our community.