S.C. High School Security Guard Accused of Sexual Misconduct With Student

Authorities say the guard had sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old student and let the student handle his gun.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:23pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a handgun trigger and grip against a pitch-black background, conveying the serious and unsettling nature of a security guard misusing their firearm access to endanger students.A shocking security breach exposes the vulnerability of students when school safety protocols fail.Beaufort Today

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has charged a 29-year-old private security guard at May River High School with having sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old student and allowing the student to handle his gun off school grounds.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious breach of trust when school security personnel abuse their position of authority and access to students. It raises concerns about student safety and the vetting process for hiring private security at schools.

The details

According to the arrest warrant, Austin Taylor Thompson had sexual intercourse with the 16-year-old student three times between October 4 and October 23, all after school hours and off school grounds. The warrant also states that Thompson provided the student with access to his personal firearm, allowing the minor to hold the gun in the back seat of Thompson's vehicle in front of other minors.

  • The alleged incidents occurred between October 4 and October 23, 2026.
  • Thompson was arrested and booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center on April 10, 2026.

The players

Austin Taylor Thompson

A 29-year-old private security guard employed by Coastal Security Services to provide security at May River High School.

May River High School

A private high school located in Beaufort County, South Carolina where Thompson was employed as a security guard.

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What’s next

Thompson is currently being held at the Beaufort County Detention Center. The school district and local authorities are conducting a full investigation into the allegations.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the critical need for thorough background checks, ongoing monitoring, and strict protocols when employing private security guards to protect students in schools. Maintaining student safety must be the top priority.