Palmetto State News

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Daniel J. Branum, 60, of Chesnee, S.C., on six charges connected to the sexual exploitation of a minor. The arrest was made by Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the South Carolina Attorney General's Office, with assistance from investigators with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office and Homeland Security Investigations.

Branum, who was arrested on April 17, 2024, is facing one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, second degree, and five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, third degree. According to the investigators, Branum distributed and possessed files of child sexual abuse material. This is not the first time Branum has faced such charges, as he was previously convicted in 2010.

In light of the arrest, Attorney General Wilson emphasized the importance of due process, stating that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Furthermore, Wilson highlighted the significance of using the term "child sexual abuse material" over "child pornography" due to the implications of consent associated with the latter term.

The case against Branum will be prosecuted by the Attorney General's Office, and he could face imprisonment for up to 10 years for each of the charges. The global shift from using "child pornography" to "child sexual abuse material" aims to accurately reflect the heinous and non-consensual nature of the crimes involved.