A Family Torn Apart by Oconee County Sheriff's Department: The Contested Custody of Glenda Lindsey

On October 10, 2024, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Department placed 73-year-old Glenda Lindsey into emergency protective custody. The consequence of this action has been that Glenda has been taken from the home of her son and long-time caretaker, David Hammond. Until that day, they lived together peacefully with David’s son, David Lee, a nonverbal autistic child who is now 17 years old.

Hammond’s circumstances are unique, and his appearance often draws unfair assumptions. With dental challenges and a naturally disheveled look, he is not ashamed of who he is. Hammond is engaging in conversation, willing to discuss any topic at length, and he leaves an unmistakable impression on those who take the time to know him. His story is compelling, and I feel fortunate to be the one hearing it now.

The story, as Hammond tells it, does not seem possible on the surface—at least, not unless you are familiar with the corruption of Oconee County. He speaks of thirteen DSS (Department of Social Services) investigations and five separate investigations by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Department. David claims that all of these accusations are fraudulent. Given the number and variety of these inquiries, it would be easy to suspect wrongdoing, yet Hammond asserts his innocence, insisting these probes are based on misrepresentations or outright fabrications. He says this is a bigger campaign to criminalize him, and that he is not alone in Oconee County. He says many people here endure the persecution of Oconee County.

David Hammond is a character who provides incredible hospitality and care to any invited guest. I have spent enough time at David’s house to see the interactions he has with a wide diversity of people. David is well-liked, trusted, and respected by his peers. His sense of humor is crude at times, and he understands sarcastic humor using advanced sentence structure and vocabulary. When meeting Hammond, if you assume you are talking to an idiot, you will be humbled with time. He is a man of complexity—outwardly unpolished, yet inwardly thoughtful and astute.

The other part of Hammond’s story that makes it not only interesting but also compelling is that he is insistent on documenting all consequential events in his life. He is aware that people like him—individuals who may not fit a conventional mold—are often discriminated against. He is ready to defend himself and his integrity. He is open about the mistakes he has made in his life, making his story surprisingly balanced. The stories of his childhood have meaning to Hammond, and listening to him tell them is akin to riding an emotional rollercoaster. The history of his relationship with his mother is one we could all learn something from, if we are willing to listen and reflect.

Hammond has collected enough video to create a documentary using all original footage. All right, I may be exaggerating slightly, but the documentation and the organization of the evidence that Hammond has collected is impressive. Clearly, Hammond does not possess all the evidence to answer every question, but he does have clear indications—he would say irrefutable evidence—showing the tactics used by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Department to criminalize him and take his mother away.

This story will take some time to unfold. Before making any assumptions about the Oconee County deputies, or other institutions or people, I will make sure they are presented with all narratives and given an opportunity to respond. With that said, some things are obvious from the evidence of David Hammond. OconeeNews.org will start publishing more on this soon, as our investigation progresses and we gather perspectives from all involved parties.

For now, I would like to say that what happened to Hammond is reprehensible. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Department has a lot of questions to answer. Let us hope they will be forthcoming and transparent. In a case where a vulnerable elderly woman and an autistic child’s caretaker are separated by force, clarity and honesty from public agencies are paramount.

For now, David is asking for help returning his mother to his house. She was placed under Emergency Protective Custody by the Oconee Sheriff. In a recorded phone call, Deputy Price, on December 3, said that the Sheriff’s office had nothing to do with it and that he needed to talk to DSS. However, DSS was following the lead of the Oconee County Sheriff, making the process feel like a circular reference with no clear accountability.

Glenda Lindsey was taken into the custody of the state on October 10, 2024. On October 18, Prisma documents show she was put her on a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. There is extensive video of Glenda suggesting this DNR status is unjustifiable. Currently, Glenda is in a nursing home more than 150 miles from her home, where her family cannot easily see her. This physical and emotional distance weighs heavily on Hammond, who respects and loves his mom. He dedicated years to his mother’s care.

On December 3rd, Hammond wrote a letter to the Oconee Family Court regarding their court order confirming the state custody of Glenda. In this letter, David lays out some of the pieces that make this case so tragic.

In this letter, David Hammond respectfully addresses the family court, requesting understanding and compassion in his mother’s ongoing case. He emphasizes his ten-year history as her primary caregiver—supporting her through chemotherapy, radiation, and numerous medical appointments—and the misunderstanding that led authorities to place her under emergency protective custody. He recounts multiple investigations by social services that were “all…unfounded,” stressing his dedication to his mother’s well-being and noting, “I have ensured that she never missed a single appointment.”

Unable to afford legal counsel and barred from speaking in court, he pleads for a fair opportunity to present his side: “I love my mother dearly, and it is devastating to think of her spending her final days in a nursing home, away from her family.” Ultimately, Hammond asks the court to consider his situation and the evidence he has gathered, hoping that his heartfelt appeal will allow his mother to return home.

David writes the court for help. The court has responded that they will only hear David's case in Open court with no indication of when that may be. His mother was put into emergency protective custody over exaggerations and fabrications made by the Oconee County Sheriff’s office. Deputy Chapman states on video that he is putting her into emergency protective custody. It seems from this simple recorded statement by Deputy Chapman, that the answers need to come from Oconee County Sheriff’s office.

As this story develops, more details will emerge. OconeeNews.org aims to bring all perspectives to the fore—law enforcement, DSS representatives, legal experts, home care helpers, hospital staff and those who know the family personally. It is crucial that the narrative be balanced, fair, and thorough, as the stakes are incredibly high: a family separated, an elderly mother unable to see her loved ones, a son, who for a decade has done all he can to keep her safe and cared for, and a disabled grandchild that loves his grandmother.

In the coming weeks, I plan to seek responses from all involved in the claims Hammond has made, publish reviews of the documents he has presented, and seek official responses from the Oconee County Sheriff’s Department and DSS. The truth can only emerge when all sides are heard and all evidence is considered. What is clear is that David Hammond has a very compelling case that his mother was removed from his custody in a phenomenal series of corrupt events. This level of corruption is only possible when there is a complete culture of corruption to support each atrocious act.

Please contact the Oconee County Sheriff's Office office if you feel they should do an internal investigation into The State of South Carolina taking custody of Glenda Lindsey at the order of Deputy Chapman.

Oconee County Sheriff – Non Emergency, 864-638-4111

Or

Contact the public relations officer – Jimmy Watt – jwatt@OconeeLaw.com