Black Woman Fights Back: Lawsuit Against South Carolina Police Over $20,000 Stolen in Armed Robbery After Pistol-Whipping

In less than a month, South Carolina authorities apprehended a man accused of robbing Tamia Sims-Irby of nearly $20,000 in 2022. Yet, three years later, Greenville police still won't return her money, insisting she secure a court order to validate her ownership. Sims-Irby recently initiated a lawsuit against the Greenville Police Department. The legal action, filed on April 23, highlights that Tyjailon Smith pleaded guilty to the theft, admitting in court to robbing her. Surprisingly, no other claims of ownership have surfaced. Describing the trauma, Sims-Irby lamented, “I still have scars from being pistol-whipped.” The Greenville police's retention of the funds raises questions, particularly since the robbery transpired in Atlanta and was largely managed by Atlanta authorities. Sims-Irby remains resolute in her quest for justice and reimbursement.