Florence County, SC – A third suspect has been arrested in connection to a February kidnapping and assault case that began in Olanta and extended into Lake City, according to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, investigators arrested James Carlisle Lynch III, 43, on Tuesday and charged him in connection with the February 26, 2026 incident. Authorities say the case began on March 2, 2026, when deputies responded to reports of a kidnapping and assault involving a victim taken from Olanta, located in Florence County within the Pee Dee region near the Florence metro area.
Investigators previously arrested Johnny Lee Love Jr. and Robert Dale Causby Jr., who allegedly lured the victim to a location on North Jones Road in Olanta. Once inside, the victim was allegedly removed from a vehicle, assaulted, and required medical treatment. Deputies say the suspects also allegedly forced the victim to sign over ownership of a Ford F-350 pickup truck under threat.
Lynch is accused of aiding in the incident and has been charged with kidnapping, assault and battery in the first degree, blackmail/extortion, grand larceny, and criminal conspiracy.
According to officials, Lynch is being held at the Florence County Detention Center on a $60,000 surety bond. The other two suspects, Love and Causby, remain in custody without bond.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may be released as the case progresses.
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