Deputy law enforcement officer indicted in SC bicyclist's death

By: WCBD | WBTW
Published: December 12, 2012

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. -- Jeffery Thomas of Mount Pleasant will again face one count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.

Thomas was charged in August for leaving the scene of a crash after Charleston deputies say he struck and killed bicyclist Matthew Denton, who was from James Island.

Deputies say Thomas, age 46, hit Denton while traveling on Riverland Drive and then left the scene on the island.

Denton was pronounced dead where the wreck happened.

At the time of the crash, Thomas was a Deputy Law Enforcement Officer (DLEO) with the SC Department of Natural Resources.

According to deputies, after striking the bicycle, Thomas got out and checked on the bicyclist, then left the scene traveling to West Ashley and returned to James Island approximately 30 to 40 minutes later.

The case was dismissed back in September, but Thomas will head to trial after all.

Andy Denton, the victim's brother, says this helps them in their search for answers, but nothing will bring back his brother.