BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–According to Berkeley County Spokesperson Michael Mule, deputies have arrested Philip Daniel Heatley and Courtney Lynn Heatley with 2 counts of Unlawful Conduct Toward a Child, a felony punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, and 24 counts of Ill Treatment of Animals, a misdemeanor punishable by a fine and up to two years imprisonment.
Sheriff’s deputies stated that they conducted a welfare check after receiving a tip that there may have been a vulnerable elderly adult living at 141 Honey Bee Dr. in Moncks Corner.
The woman, in her mid-80s, was contacted and was apparently in no danger, they stated.
The woman told deputies she believed there was a dead dog in her shed and gave consent to search the property.
After discovering the carcasses of more than 30 animals, detectives with the Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant for the property and subsequently located throughout the property a dog, ducks, chickens, a goat, a pony, rabbits and several other unidentified animals.
Berkeley County Animal Control and The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was contacted and responded to the property.
Authorities stated that the woman’s grandson 23-year-old Philip Daniel Heatley, his wife 22-year-old Courtney Lynn Heatley and their two minor children, 8 months and 5 years in age, were located living in deplorable conditions in a small camper on the property. Both children were taken into emergency protective custody.
In addition to the charges filed by the Sheriff’s Office the Department of Natural Resources also charged Philip Heatley with game violations.
Both suspects are being held at the Hill Finklea Detention Center until their bond hearing tonight at 7 p.m.
