CHESTERFIELD – A Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested and taken into custody on Dec. 3 around 3 p.m. on federal drug related charges.

According to Chesterfield County Sheriff Sam Parker, Deputy Albert Eugene Surratt, III (Brent), 28, of 1469 Hillian Edward Road, Cheraw, S.C., was charged and taken into custody in the Pageland area for alleged conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamines and for possession of a firearm during a drug crime.

Also arrested was 28-year-old David Woodward of 6255 Cross Roads Church Road in Ruby.

According to Parker, Surratt was terminated from his position as deputy at the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office.

“I’m very disappointed and devastated,” Parker said. “But we’re not perfect. I will police and clean out my own house before I police the county,” said Parker last Friday.

Surratt is a 1999 graduate from West-Oak High School in Westminster, S.C. He was also a former employee of the Cheraw Police Department before being hired with the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office on June 8, 2009.

“This is a shock to all of us and it is a sad situation because he always seemed to be a good guy,” said Cheraw Police Chief Jay Brooks.

Chesterfield County Sheriff Sam Parker echoed Brooks’ comments as he said, “It is hard to believe that this happened with Brent. It is a terrible shock and very disappointing because Brent is a good person. However, we are going to try to help him get the help he needs in order to get his life back on track. It goes to show you that bad things happen to good people.”

Parker added that the case is an ongoing investigation and other arrests would result and surface as the investigation progresses.

“The Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, State and Federal Agencies as well as the DEA, are all involved in this investigation,” concluded Parker.