A South Carolina man from Charleston was recently accused of soliciting sex from a minor. His arrest followed an undercover operation that was carried out by the South Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The man is facing several charges related to sex crimes against minors, including attempted criminal sexual conduct, attempts to sexually exploit a minor and criminal solicitation.
According to the arrest warrant, the accused man was communicating online with a Charleston County deputy who was working undercover. The man, who was under the impression that he was talking to a 14-year-old girl, allegedly requested the girl to send him nude photos after instructing her to download an app through which they could share photos. Communications reportedly continued, and a date was allegedly made to meet in person.
Further allegations state that the man contacted the “girl” on the night before the arranged meeting to tell her about the sexual acts he wanted to perform. Upon his arrival at the agreed meeting place, the task force and members of the sheriff’s office arrested him. The affidavit states that the man admitted to having intentions to have sexual relations with the “girl.” Bail was set at a $50,000 bond.
When a South Carolina resident is accused of sex crimes, the potential consequences that could follow a conviction are significant and potentially life altering. For that and other reasons, anyone accused of a crime is guaranteed the right to be represented by criminal defense counsel. Given the serious nature of sex crimes allegations involving minors, those facing these circumstances are best served by ensuring that defense counsel is present at all stages of the proceedings, including any attempts by law enforcement authorities to interview or otherwise question them.
Source: abcnews4.com, “Warrant: Charleston man arrested after soliciting sex from officer posing as teen girl“, Sam Tyson, Jan. 21, 2016
