South Carolina Teen Arrested for Allegedly Orchestrating His Own Abduction

LEXINGTON, S.C. () – In a surprising turn of events, 17-year-old Sema’j Corvin Gardner, who was initially believed to be a kidnapping victim in Lexington, S.C., has been taken into custody on charges of orchestrating the entire scheme, according to Chief Terrence Green’s announcement on Tuesday.

Gardner was located by authorities on Monday night and is now facing charges as an adult. He has been detained at the Lexington County Detention Center with multiple charges, including six counts of kidnapping, six counts of first-degree assault and battery, conspiracy, pointing and presenting a firearm, and first-degree burglary. Currently, no bond has been set, and he remains incarcerated.

Law enforcement reports indicate that the incident occurred on Sunday when two armed individuals broke into a residence on the 900 block of Hendrix Street. They allegedly assaulted and threatened the lives of several family members, aged between 12 and 61. Gardner was reportedly abducted during this home invasion, prompting a large-scale search operation.

“Through our investigation, which was conducted alongside the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI, it was revealed that Sema’j Gardner had conspired with the two other suspects to stage his own abduction,” a statement issued on May 5 explained.

Additionally, a 16-year-old boy has been apprehended and faces similar charges, including six counts of kidnapping, six counts of first-degree assault and battery, conspiracy, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, pointing and presenting a firearm, and first-degree burglary. He is currently held in the custody of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, awaiting a bond hearing in Lexington County Family Court.

This incident still remains under investigation, as officials are searching for the other suspect in the incident.

Anyone who has information about the unidentified Black male involved in this case is asked to contact Detective Corporal Kenneth Heath at (803) 358-1557 or email kheath@lexsc.gov.