In Beaufort County, South Carolina, a significant legal battle is unfolding as the Pepitone family takes action against former deputy William Squires and their neighbor, Brian Stahlheber. The family has enlisted the expertise of attorney Jared Newman to represent them in their lawsuit, which stems from a concerning incident in late September.

The situation escalated when Squires and Stahlheber found themselves facing charges brought by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on Tuesday, October 28th. The charges are connected to an unsettling encounter that occurred a month prior, involving Squires and a group of teenagers.

Speaking exclusively to News 3, attorney Newman shed light on the lawsuit and recounted the distressing events of Sunday, September 28th. On that day, video footage captured by the teenagers depicted Squires drawing and aiming his weapon at them, a moment that has become central to the case.

Newman emphasized the inaccuracies circulating about the incident, stating, “I’ve heard everything from accusations of the kids shooting BBs at neighborhood dogs to claims of them threatening the deputy with a gun. It’s all unfounded. These were simply three kids whose mother encouraged them to go outside and enjoy some fresh air, and this is the unfortunate outcome.”

The incident unfolded as Lauren Pepitone, the boys’ mother, was walking the family dog through the Squiresgate neighborhood. She unexpectedly encountered her sons, another juvenile, and their friends amidst the unfolding confrontation, which has since stirred significant legal and community attention.

“She comes up on the scene to her kids and their friends on the ground with guns pointed at them, people choking them and sitting on their back.” said Newman.

Lauren witnessed Squires holding them at gunpoint and Stahlheber forcefully holding one of the teens by the neck to the ground.

She allegedly tried to intervene.

“The mother actually had a gun pointed at her as well. I think they’re looking into that charge,” said Newman. He went on to say that it may have been missed in initial investigations and he’s looking to pursue that charge.  “I’m hoping to meet with the solicitor’s liaison and the solicitor from the First Circuit to see where they are. I think they are still investigating on how to charge and what to charge.”

Squires was arrested and charged with four counts of pointing a weapon and one breach of peace in an aggravated nature.

Stahlheber was charged with breach of peace in an aggravated nature and giving false information to law enforcement.

Five John Does were also mentioned in the lawsuit. Newman said there were several other people involved in the incident that are currently unknown but can be brought into the investigation if necessary.

“There was another civilian-type person who was also assaulting these children. We don’t know who that is yet,” said Newman. “We’re still looking into liability of possibly any other deputies. I don’t think there will be. But you put a John Doe in there so it’s filed, and if we find somebody we need to bring in to pursue, we’ll bring him in.”

According to SLED, Stahlheber initially told investigators that the kids had a gun. He later admitted that was untrue in a separate interview with investigators.

“None were ever found,” said Newman.

Newman said he believes there are reasons the kids allegedly having guns is not relevant.

“The very first time Squires rides by in the car, he’s telling them, ‘You need to get out of here’. He’s not telling them, ‘I’ve called the cops. You need to stay right here’. I think he thought he was disrespected and then said, “Watch this.” Jams the car in park, puts on the vest and pulls out the gun,” said Newman.

Squires and Stahlheber were also allegedly drunk.

Squires is said to have refused a breathalyzer on scene.

“According to the witnesses that were on the scene, I think it’s pretty clear that they were drunk,” said Newman. “I don’t know what the excuse is, ‘I was so drunk, I didn’t know what I was doing’ or ‘I wasn’t that drunk, I’m just mean.’ I mean, I don’t think there’s a good answer for that. But I definitely think with the deputy refusing a direct order to take a data master breathalyzer is telling.”

Newman said the incident has traumatized the Pepitone family and several of their rights were violated on that Sunday.

“You can imagine it cuts right through the family. There [are] two of your three sons getting guns [pointed] at, your wife, and then the father has to deal with all this. This is just a regular, normal family,” said Newman.

Newman explained that’s why they’re pursuing legal action.  

“We believe the deputy violated a number of policies. We’re seeking damages for negligence.  I think the main part of the case is going to end up in federal court, civil rights litigation. It’s clear that he was acting under the color of state law, his badge and his gun.  And he violated these people’s Fourth, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendment. I could go on with a bunch of amendments, but he seriously, substantially violated their constitutional rights,” said Newman.

Newman said there will likely be negotiations like any other lawsuit.

“They’ve done serious damage to this family. If they don’t take it seriously, then we’ll put it in front of a jury of 12 people and see what they have to say about it,” said Newman.

News 3 reached out to the attorney representing the other juveniles involved. They said they would not be making a statement at this time due to the seriousness of the case.

Newman said they are in contact with the other attorney and they are working together to pursue legal action against the former deputy.