Pastor's son faces multiple charges for imprisoning adults in basement

In South Carolina, Donnie Birchfield Jr., the son of a local pastor, was arrested after police found four adults imprisoned in a basement connected to his home. This dramatic incident came to light on July 25, 2025, when officers responded to a call regarding a deceased woman at the property on Churchill Drive. Upon investigation, they discovered that the deceased woman's husband and two other women were being held captive alongside her. Birchfield, alleged to have exploited these individuals for his own financial benefit, faces serious charges including multiple counts of false imprisonment and exploitation of vulnerable adults. He lives at this address with his family, which has maintained a respectable reputation in the Lancaster community. Public reactions have been mixed, with many expressing shock over the gravity of the allegations against someone from such a well-known family in the area. The details surrounding the captives are particularly concerning, as it was revealed that Birchfield had previously been associated with the victims. His sister, Terisa Hinson, stated that her brother had a developmental disability but had been living independently before going missing, casting a shadow over the circumstances leading to their captivity. Hinson's emotional reaction highlighted the trauma both she and her brother have faced, as she described the moment of discovering him alive in the basement as “heartbreaking.” Wong officers discovered that Birchfield had denied access to sustenance, medical care, and communication to the individuals held in the basement, showcasing the level of control and exploitation he allegedly exerted over them. Birchfield's attorney, M. Ryan Payne, has publicly stated that his client maintains his innocence and that the family is cooperating with ongoing investigations. Despite this assertion, the Lancaster Police Department hinted at the potential for additional charges pending further inquiry. The situation is still evolving, and the community remains on edge as the investigation progresses. With the local pastor's family reputation now tarnished, social media reactions have spurred discussions about the reliability of information circulating about the case, especially as family members have spoken out, urging support for Birchfield, adding another layer of complexity to an already tragic situation. The circumstances surrounding the discovery of the captives, including the tragic death of one individual and the prior relationship Birchfield had developed with them, raise significant questions about his motives and the extent of his actions. The investigation continues in light of these revelations, and community members are left grappling with the aftermath of such shocking events occurring in their own neighborhood.