LAURENS, S.C.; August 6, 2025 – A Laurens man is headed to prison for the next 15 years after he pleaded guilty this week to charges stemming from a domestic assault, 8th Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo announced Friday.
Arcadio Kenneth Hernandez, 23, pleaded guilty Tuesday morning to charges of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking heroin, driving under suspension, failure to stop for blue lights, and reckless driving. Circuit Judge Jane Merrill accepted Hernandez’s plea and sentenced him to 15 years in prison.
In December 2024, deputies responded to a call at a Laurens County residence where the victim indicated that she had been assaulted by Hernandez. The victim told officers that she and Hernandez had been arguing and then Hernandez began hitting her. He then went into his bedroom and retrieved a handgun. Hernandez fired a shot into the floor of the residence which grazed the victim’s foot. He then stomped her injured foot before snatching the victim’s cell phone and retreating to a bedroom. This allowed the victim to get away and call 911. Hernandez fled the scene just before deputies arrived.
The following day, deputies spotted Hernandez driving his vehicle in the area of Chandra Avenue and attempted to execute a traffic stop. Hernandez led officers on a short chase before crashing his vehicle and fleeing on foot. Hernandez was caught quickly and detained by the officers without further incident. A search of Hernandez’s vehicle turned up more than 1,000 grams of methamphetamine, more than 20 grams of heroin, a scale, and a 9mm handgun. A search of the residence yielded a spent shell casing and a hole in the floor consistent with the victim’s version of events.
Assistant Solicitor Mary Madison Driggers handled the case for the state, with assistance from 8th Circuit Investigator Joey Pittman and Victim Advocate Lauren Powers. Hernandez was represented by Spartanburg attorney Robin File.
Solicitor Stumbo praised the work of his staff in preparing the case for trial and securing a strong conviction and sentence. Stumbo also praised the bravery and efficiency of the Laurens County Sheriff’s deputies in apprehending a dangerous armed criminal quickly without further threat to the public.
“There is simply no room in this community for people like Arcadio Hernandez who beat women and peddle poison on our streets,” Solicitor Stumbo said. “I am pleased that he will spend the next 15 years behind bars and pray the victim will be able to move forward with a new life unburdened by this dangerous man.”