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A former deputy of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) stands accused of domestic violence after previously being placed on administrative leave for fatally shooting a civilian, according to agents of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
On Sunday, May 26, 2024, FCSO deputy Treyvon Jonathan Sellers, 29, was placed on administrative leave after unleashing his K9 and fatally shooting William Dawayne Rankin, 43, following a vehicular chase that started on Palmetto Street in Florence, S.C.
According to fellow deputies, Rankin crashed into a tree before absconding into his home on National Cemetary Road. He was ultimately pursued before being shot five times in front of his elderly father, who was mistakenly attacked by the deputy’s K9.
“Sellers was attempting to make a traffic stop because [Rankin] was driving under suspension,” alleged a law enforcement officer. “He, in turn, chased [Rankin] by himself and bum-rushed into his fucking house. Then, his Belgian Malinois bit the wrong fucking person.”
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(Florence County Sheriff’s Office)
The foregoing testimony remains of interest as FCSO’s use of force policy (#600.00) expressly prohibits deputies from using lethal force while effectuating an arrest for non-violent felonies or misdemeanor offenses such as driving under suspension (DUS).
Sellers was subsequently placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a SLED investigation requested by Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye. He remained employed until becoming the focus of yet another SLED investigation two months after shooting Rankin.
On Friday, July 26, 2024, the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) requested SLED investigate a domestic violence incident involving Sellers. While state records indicate FCSO was immediately notified of the altercation, they did not terminate Sellers for another four days.
“I hereby attest that the reason for separation of this officer does NOT involve misconduct or otherwise disqualify eligibility for certification,” FCSO sergeant David A. Haines attested to the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA) on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
The following day, probable cause affidavits signed by chief magistrate Deatrice B. Curtis accused Sellers of attempting to assault his wife through the window of a car he had climbed onto. He purportedly continued to berate onlookers, including DCSO deputies and neighbors.

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“He reached inside the vehicle and swung his arm,” alleged one of the two arrest warrants issued on July 31, 2024. “While disregarding the lawful order of deputy sheriffs’ … Sellers then shouted obscenities in close proximity to a public road and in full view of other residences.”
Come 6:52 p.m. EST, Sellers was booked into the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center on one count of Third-Degree DV and one count of Breach of Peace. The following morning, he was granted a $5,000 surety bond for the felony and a $1,000 surety bond for the misdemeanor.
Prior to his tenure with FCSO, Sellers was a DCSO deputy for about five nonconsecutive years, a Darlington Police Department (DPD) officer for about three months and a W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center deputy for about eight months.
“He was a young, dumb cop,” concluded a law enforcement officer. “Only a Florence County deputy would land a domestic violence charge two months after killing someone over a misdemeanor … It’s quantity over quality. [Sheriff Joye] lets them go buck-ass wild in Florence.”
As of this publication, FCSO remains enveloped in a visceral lawsuit brought by former deputy Daniel Barnett. According to his 31-page filing, FCSO submitted “false and perjurious statements” resulting in gross negligence, civil conspiracy, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, defamation by omission and other causes.
This story may be updated.
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ARREST WARRANTS …
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …
Andrew Fancher is a Lone Star Emmy award-winning journalist from Dallas, Texas. Cut from a bloodline of outlaws and lawmen alike, he was the first of his family to graduate college which was accomplished with honors. Got a story idea or news tip for Andy? Email him directly and connect with him socially across Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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4 comments
Sometimes you just seem to step in dog sh%t, no matter which way you turn. As I have always understood it, a deputy Sheriff can chase a suspect into a residence if in hot pursuit, which is what the first incident sounds like it was. Did Sellers perceive Rankin to be going for a gun or other weapon at the time shots were fired? If a weapon is brought to bear by a suspect, I would hope all bets are off regarding policies against use of deadly force when making an arrest for misdemeanors or non-violent felonies. Regarding the domestic violence, could the extreme pressure Sellers was under have caused a form of temporary insanity and acts he might normally not have committed?
Oh, is Rankin any kin to questionable SC Senator Luke Rankin? Could this impact how Sellers is treated in this investigation?
Sad, this state and it’s LE Agencies are a hot mess.
This young man is going through a lot right now. The criminal he shot is in no way a victim. However, taking someone’s life has an effect on a man. He needs prayer and help, not condemnation. I’ve been in his shoes and understand what he’s going through. Young man if you’re reading this, pray for Jesus to help you through this trial in your life. He will meet you where you are.