The 38-year-old James Walter Owens, who currently lives in Lee County, is charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor under 11 and two counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor under 14, according to the sheriff's office report.
/ KCSO
KERSHAW COUNTY, SC (WACH) - Kershaw County Sheriff's Office investigators have arrested another man in connection with the sexual assault of a minor.
The 38-year-old James Walter Owens, who currently lives in Lee County, is charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor under 11 and two counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor under 14, according to the sheriff's office report.
Authorities say the office received a report from a family member of three young children, ages 12, 14 and 15, that Owens had been sexually molesting them. The oldest victim told investigators of being abused by Owens from the time the victim was 11 years old. The other victims said Owens had recently started sexually abusing them.
“This kind of abuse is very disturbing and is all too prevalent in our society. What is more disturbing is the very real likelihood that much of this kind of activity goes unreported,” said Sheriff Matthews.
According to Matthews, the abuse took place at several locations in Kershaw County. Additional investigation lead to obtaining arrest warrants for Owens, who was arrested after being interviewed at the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office.
Owens is awaiting a bond hearing at the Kershaw County Detention Center.
The report states that additional charges against an adult who was aware of the abuse may be forthcoming.
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