WALTERBORO, SC (April 24, 2026) – A 47-year-old Ruffin man who deprived three children of basic needs has been sentenced to prison.
Jedidiah Worrick was found guilty Thursday of unlawful conduct toward a child and received a 10‑year prison sentence — the maximum allowed by law.
“This is a case about deprivation,” said Assistant Solicitor Jack Polucha of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, who prosecuted the case. “These children were exposed to a litany of dangers on a daily basis by being deprived of medical care, a quality education, a clean and safe environment, and so much more.”
Prosecutors called several witnesses during the three-day jury trial at the Colleton County Courthouse. Jurors heard from law enforcement officers, social workers and others who described what they observed upon arriving at the Bells Highway residence in Ruffin, a rural community about 11 miles northwest of Walterboro.
When social workers and Colleton County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the home on Dec. 10, 2021, they found three children, ages 7 to 12, playing outside with no adult present. Inside, the cupboards were bare, the refrigerator was empty, and the heat had been turned off. The home — and the children’s clothing — was described as filthy. Animal feces were found on the floor.
Worrick’s criminal history includes convictions in both Illinois and South Carolina. His Illinois convictions include domestic battery (1999), two counts of deceptive practice (1999, 2001), counterfeiting (2002) and driving under suspension (2003). His South Carolina record includes public disorderly conduct and drinking alcohol in public (2006) and driving under suspension (2006).
Circuit Court Judge Donald Hocker imposed the sentence.
Assistant Solicitor Julie Kate Keeney assisted in prosecuting the case. Keeney primarily oversees prosecutions in Colleton County and has been a prosecutor for 15 years. Polucha has been with the Solicitor’s Office since 2025.
