MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — Marion Turner, former chairman of the Berkeley County Planning Commission, is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly using a stolen credit card to make unauthorized purchases throughout the Lowcountry.
Turner has been charged with one count of financial transaction card theft and four counts of financial transaction card fraud, according to authorities.
The victim, Jamie Dangerfield, reported his wallet missing earlier this month during a family move. Initially believing it was misplaced, Dangerfield became alarmed when unauthorized charges began appearing on his account weeks later.
“These charges popped up on my account, and that’s when I knew someone had my wallet,” Dangerfield said.
The fraudulent transactions took place at various local businesses, including a Harris Teeter in Mount Pleasant, Walmart Supercenter in Moncks Corner, Murphy’s gas station, and Dollar General. Receipts show purchases such as bread, beer, and yogurt.
Dangerfield estimates that about $2,000 in cash was stolen, not including the fraudulent credit card charges. He described the loss as a serious setback for his family, especially with a newborn at home and his own business to manage.
Following Dangerfield’s report on September 8, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation. Detectives reviewed surveillance footage and receipts, eventually identifying a vehicle linked to the suspect.
Detective Travis Richardson praised the quality of surveillance video capturing the suspect using the stolen card at a self-checkout station. The suspect’s identity was confirmed by matching the vehicle in multiple camera systems.
“It’s hurtful because this is someone the citizens trusted to make the county better,” Richardson said, expressing disappointment that a public official was involved.
Dangerfield recognized Turner immediately and recalled knowing him from their time at the Huger Fire Department, where Turner managed finances. Dangerfield noted the fire department had frequent audits and suspected funds were sometimes missing.
After Turner’s arrest, Dangerfield shared his story on social media to raise public awareness. “When someone in that kind of position is accused of this, people deserve to know about it,” he said.
Detectives urge residents to monitor their bank accounts closely and sign up for transaction alerts to quickly detect unauthorized activity. Dangerfield’s prompt reporting helped solve the case swiftly.
Marion Turner was arrested and booked into the Berkeley County jail.
