BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — Anne Lachell Sellers, 53, of Moncks Corner, has been charged with unlawful conduct towards a minor after her granddaughter was reported missing following a jet ski incident at Bushy Parking Boat Landing.
On Tuesday afternoon at approximately 12:30 p.m., Sellers called 911, reporting she and her granddaughter were stranded on separate jet skis. According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the granddaughter attempted to swim back to shore for help amid strong currents, high winds, and wildlife threats.
Multiple agencies responded to the water rescue, including the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol and Dive Team, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Coast Guard, Naval Weapons Station Fire Department, and Pimlico Fire Department. Using marine vessels and drones, rescuers found the child approximately 500 yards from the boat ramp, suffering from cuts and abrasions. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Preliminary investigations revealed Sellers provided misleading information. Deputies found that one of the jet skis was malfunctioning, and Sellers had instructed her granddaughter to swim for help despite dangerous conditions.
Sheriff Duane Lewis condemned the grandmother’s actions, stating, “Careless decisions that endanger the lives of juveniles will not be tolerated, and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. Not only was this child’s life put at risk, but so were the lives of our first responders.”
Sellers is currently held at the Hill-Finklea Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing.
