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Greenwood Today
By the People, for the People
Florida Man Sues Greenwood County Over Wrongful Fentanyl Arrest
Lawsuit alleges deputies ignored evidence that pills were lawfully prescribed medication
Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:52pm
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A federal civil rights lawsuit filed in South Carolina accused Greenwood County law enforcement officers of wrongfully arresting and prosecuting a Florida man for fentanyl and cocaine offenses after a traffic stop, despite immediate evidence that the pills in his possession were lawfully prescribed medication.
Why it matters
This case highlights broader issues in South Carolina drug enforcement, where arrests frequently begin with presumptive roadside field tests, while definitive laboratory confirmation may take months or more than a year, leaving serious felony charges in place until forensic testing catches up with the allegations.
The details
The lawsuit alleges that during a May 2024 traffic stop, Greenwood County deputies found a prescription bottle bearing the plaintiff's name containing Dicyclomine, a medication commonly used to treat irritable bowel syndrome. However, the deputies still proceeded with field drug testing that produced presumptive positive results for fentanyl, leading to the plaintiff's arrest and felony charges. The charges were later dismissed after SLED's forensic lab found the pills were indeed the lawful prescription medication.
- On May 15, 2024, the plaintiff was stopped by Greenwood County deputies.
- The plaintiff spent 15 days in jail before bonding out, then approximately seven months on home arrest.
- On October 1, 2025, the SLED forensic report found the pills were Dicyclomine, not illegal substances.
The players
Bryan Joseph Getchius
A Florida man who was wrongfully arrested and prosecuted for fentanyl and cocaine offenses in Greenwood County, South Carolina.
Greenwood County
The county in South Carolina where the wrongful arrest and prosecution occurred.
Greenwood County Sheriff's Office (GCSO)
The law enforcement agency involved in the wrongful arrest and prosecution.
Dennis Kelly
The sheriff of Greenwood County at the time of the incident.
Wesley McClinton
A GCSO deputy who was involved in the traffic stop and search that led to the wrongful arrest.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
