News Release: Woman Arrested on Multiple Charges Against Elderly Scam Victim
- Deputy Jamie Burton
- Mar 20
- 2 min read
03/20/26
Sheriff Leon Lott announces the arrest of Dorothy Watkins (41) in connection with multiple crimes against an elderly victim.
On February 22nd, 2026, the 87-year-old victim went shopping in Sandhills. While working as a store cashier, Watkins obtained the victim’s Driver’s License. Watkins kept the victim’s SCDL and returned a different one to the victim.
On or around March 7th, 2026, Watkins, wearing a wig, went to the victim’s residence which she located using the victim’s stolen SCDL. She told the victim that she worked for the SCDMV, and she was checking to see if the victim’s SCDL came in the mail.
A few days later, Watkins, again wearing a wig, went to the victim’s residence and told her she worked for the retail store and that there was video footage of someone taking the victim’s SCDL.
On March 12th, 2026, Dorothy Watkins went to the victim’s house a third time. Watkins said she was an investigator for Richland County Sheriff’s Department, that she did not have to wear a uniform for her position, and that she worked closely with Sheriff Leon Lott. Watkins instructed the victim to go to Palmetto Citizens bank and withdraw $10,000 for legal fees and that Watkins would go with her.
The victim drove herself and Watkins to the bank and attempted to take out $10,000 under Watkins’s direction; however, the bank was unable to fulfill the request due to it being closing time.
During the time Watkins was with the victim, she stole several of the victim’s credit cards. Watkins made multiple fraudulent charges totaling over $17,000.
Dorothy Watkins was arrested March 16th, 2026 and transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. Watkins is charged with Kidnapping, Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer, Financial Identity Fraud, Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult, Obtaining Property Under False Pretenses, and Financial Transaction Fraud. Watkins has since been released on bond and is required to wear an ankle monitor.
Project HOPE, contact Lt. Tom Amaro at 803-576-3183.
