Former Custody Officer Charged With Abuse in Columbia
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division charged 27-year-old Thomas Smalls following an investigation into a seclusion room incident.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Substance Abuse
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has charged former custody officer Thomas Smalls with abuse of a vulnerable adult. The charges stem from an incident at a facility located at 7901 Farrow Rd. in Columbia.
Why it matters
The investigation was initiated after officials at Recovery Solutions requested a review of the incident. Authorities used surveillance footage to corroborate allegations that Smalls physically harmed a victim in a seclusion room.
A victim treated at Prisma Health Richland suffered a 2 to 3 cm head laceration during the encounter. Surveillance video provided the primary evidence confirming the physical assault occurred in a seclusion room.
The players
Thomas Smalls
He is a 27-year-old former custody officer charged with the abuse of a vulnerable adult.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
The state agency is responsible for investigating criminal matters and filed the charges against the former custody officer.
Recovery Solutions
The organization requested the investigation that led to the charges against Smalls.
Prisma Health Richland
The medical facility provided treatment to the victim for a head laceration following the reported incident.
Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center
The facility is where Thomas Smalls was booked following his arrest.
The details
Thomas Smalls allegedly escorted a victim into a seclusion room at the Columbia facility and slammed the individual onto the floor. The victim required medical attention for the head injury following the altercation.
Timeline
The incident occurred at the facility on August 4, 2026.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division charged Thomas Smalls on October 14, 2026.
Health Landscape
The charges filed by state investigators follow the established legal framework for protecting individuals within residential and custody care settings. This case highlights ongoing efforts to ensure accountability in care facilities mandated by South Carolina's abuse of a vulnerable adult statute.
This incident highlights the importance of surveillance and oversight in care environments to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals. Residents and their families can look for facilities that maintain transparent reporting and active monitoring protocols.
The takeaway
Ensuring the safety of vulnerable adults requires strict adherence to institutional reporting protocols and comprehensive monitoring. Families should verify the safety records of any facility when evaluating care options for loved ones.
Further reading
Find more local coverage on Substance Abuse in Columbia.
