Mental Health Officer Accused of Sexually Explicit Phone Calls with Patient

A S.C. Department of Mental Health Public Safety Officer was arrested after SLED investigators said she had sexually-explicit phone calls with a patient at a Broad River Road facility. 

Tina Lynette Howell, 36, of Pelion was arrested Tuesday and charged with misconduct in office. 

According to the arrest warrant, Howell participated in sexually-explicit phone conversations with a patient in the Sexually Violent Predator Treatment Program at the Broad River Road Correctional Institute Edisto Unit, 4460 Broad River Road.

The phone calls occured between Oct. 27 and 30, according to the warrant.

The arrest is the result of a SLED investigation conducted at the request of the S.C. Department of Mental Health - Public Safety.