Former Police Officer Faces Fraud Charges After Massage Payment

A former police officer in South Carolina is facing serious legal charges following a criminal investigation. Fredrick Trent Payne, who previously served with the Pacolet Police Department, is accused of bank fraud, prostitution, and obstruction of justice. The charges stem from a series of events involving a local business known as Royal Springs Massage.

Investigators claim that Payne used a debit card to pay 203 dollars for sexual services at the establishment. Just six days after the transaction, he contacted his credit union to report the charge as fraudulent. He allegedly received a credit for the amount and proceeded to spend the funds, which caused his account to overdraft. When questioned by investigators in May, he reportedly provided false statements regarding the situation.

The case has moved to the South Carolina Attorney General's office for prosecution. Payne had already been placed on unpaid suspension before resigning from his position as a police officer just days before his arrest. He is currently being held at the Spartanburg County Detention Center as the legal process moves forward.