Ex-deputy gets 4 years for Greenwood County thefts

GREENWOOD, S.C. (AP) — A former Greenwood County deputy is facing four years in prison for stealing vehicles and farm equipment over ten years.

The Index-Journal of Greenwood reports Scott Masterson pleaded guilty Thursday to eight counts of grand larceny.

Prosecutors say he stole trailers, a four-wheeler and even a recreational vehicle, mostly from his family and friends.

Authorities say Masterson took police reports about the stolen merchandise and checked on the progress of the investigations.

Masterson’s attorney asked for home detention, but the judge said the former deputy’s betrayal of the public trust was too shocking for him not to serve some time behind bars.

Masterson told the judge there was no excuse for his actions and he can’t figure out why he kept stealing.

___

Information from: The Index-Journal, http://www.indexjournal.com