Solicitor Wilson’s Statement Regarding the Prosecution of Thomas Lawton Evans

Charleston, SC My thoughts and prayers are with the Todd family. We know that this has been an
unbelievably terrifying ordeal and we hope that they will heal very soon. The road to recovery can be
difficult but this community is here for their support. Prosecutors and law enforcement will do all in our
power to see that they have the resources they need for navigating the criminal justice process.

 

We have and will continue to work closely with our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office. A
federal complaint for kidnapping has been filed on Thomas Lawton Evans and we anticipate he will be
brought to South Carolina where he will remain in federal custody for the near future. We will evaluate
and coordinate with the federal authorities regarding the service of any warrants for state charges. We
anticipate that additional charges will be filed. Our goal is to render maximum accountability in an
expedient manner, regardless of whether that is in federal court or state court, or both.

 

This investigation spans a wide geographical area. Information and evidence continues to be gathered
and analyzed. It is extremely important to me that I remain transparent with the public about the legal
proceedings and the continuing investigation into this matter. As a lawyer and prosecutor, however, I am
subject to special rules limiting my ability to make public comments about pending cases and defendants
in criminal matters. For these reasons, my office cannot comment on the merits of the case. By law, the
defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.
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