Daniel J. Crooks Jr., a native Charlestonian, served as department head of criminal justice at Beaufort Technical College and Trident Technical College, and as an adjunct professor of sociology at the College of Charleston. A commissioned state constable, he has served the Town of James Island and the S.C. Police Corps. He is now engaged in a second career as a local historian and licensed tour guide.

Crooks is well versed on South Carolina criminal history, Charleston antiques, the Civil War and Charleston folk traditions. Over the years, he has researched and amassed a notable collection of S.C. dispensary bottles.

Crooks was graduated from the College of Charleston, and received his master’s degree from the University of South Carolina. He is also a graduate of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.