FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) –  A Pee Dee treatment center previously under investigation by DHEC has announced plans to close.

In a statement, CEO Daniel Eichelberger said Palmetto Pee Dee Behavioral Health notified employees earlier this week about plans to close on June 30.

“Palmetto Pee Dee Behavioral Health notified its employees earlier this week of its intention to close the facility effective June 30, 2019. Our intention to close Palmetto Pee Dee comes after completing a comprehensive review and evaluation of multiple factors including the cost required to renovate the aging leased property.”

“We are committed to working with the guardian of each current resident to identify and facilitate a smooth transition to another appropriate facility. We thank the physicians and staff for their expertise and dedication to the patients we have been privileged to serve,” the statement also said. “For over 10 years, Palmetto Pee Dee has provided residential treatment services for youths with autism or other severe psychiatric or addictive disease diagnoses. Our team has strived to provide quality treatment and care to these patients with special, and often complex, mental health needs.”

In March, News13 reported that DHEC had started enforcement action against the center after several policy violations.

News13 also previously report that documents from DHEC alleged abuse at the center.

In April, News13 reported that a 12-year-old escaped from the facility, according to a police report.