Details of alleged 2003 sexual assault in Beaufort that led to arrest of local fire official
In the three days since Darran Vaughn’s arrest for second degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor in Beaufort County, new details have been discovered from police records, the arrest warrant, a review of his employment history and an analysis of the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding these accusations.
Vaughn served for three years as the deputy director of Jasper County Fire-Rescue prior to his arrest.
The warrant details that the alleged criminal activity occurred between Feb 1, 2002 and Feb. 1, 2003 in the city of Beaufort.
The warrant also contains the following statement: “In two separate pretext communiques between Vaughn and [redacted name] in March of 2025, where this affiant was present, Vaughn admitted to the offense and acknowledged the offense happened more than once.”
An affiant is the author of an affidavit and who swears to its truth and accuracy. The affiant in this case was a deputy from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
Tuesday’s arrest
On Tuesday, Vaughn, 60, of Walterboro, SC was arrested by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. He was charged with second degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, or attempt. This specific charge in South Carolina involves a victim between the ages of 11 and 14.
The victim reported this information to the sheriff’s office on March 13. The arrest warrant was delivered to Vaughn the next day, on March 14, and he was arrested four days later on March 18.
The state of South Carolina does not have a statute of limitations for criminal sexual conduct, regardless of degree. Those convicted of this felony charge could face prison time for no more than 20 years, according to the South Carolina Code of Laws.
Vaughn was released from the Beaufort County Detention Center Wednesday on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond, meaning he would not be required to pay it unless he violates court conditions.
Vaughn’s first court appearance date has not yet been set. As of Friday at 9 a.m., no defense attorney was listed under judicial records.
Vaughn was reached by phone Friday and declined to comment on the charges.
Vaughn’s recent work history
Vaughn was an employee at Jasper County Fire-Rescue for three years prior to the separation of employment Tuesday, according to Fire Chief Russell Wells. When his employment was terminated Tuesday, he was serving as the department’s deputy director. Vaughn was also employed by the South Carolina Fire Academy prior to his arrest.
Both Jasper County Fire-Rescue and the South Carolina Fire Academy took “immediate action” to separate his employment, according to those agencies. Vaughn formerly served as a volunteer firefighter in Colleton County, but he has never worked as an employee and “is not affiliated” with Colleton County Fire-Rescue, according to their Fire Chief, Barry McRoy.
Vaughn’s social media pages say he also formerly served as Assistant Fire Chief at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Fire and Emergency Services but the base’s contact would not confirm that information without an Freedom of information act request from the newspaper.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, help can be found at Hopeful Horizons’ 24-hour support line at 843-770-1070 or at the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673.
