Palmetto State News

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Donald Ray Locke, 59, of Greenville, S.C., on three charges connected to the sexual exploitation of a minor. Locke was arrested on April 24, 2024, for distributing files of child sexual abuse material, as stated by investigators involved in the case.

Locke is facing three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, second degree, which is a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment on each count. The case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General's Office, as confirmed by the authorities.

In light of the arrest, Attorney General Wilson emphasized the importance of due process, stating, "All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law."

Furthermore, it was highlighted that the term "child sexual abuse material" is being used globally instead of "child pornography" to accurately reflect the nature of the crimes involved. This change is aimed at avoiding implications that the child was a consenting participant in these abusive acts.

The arrest of Donald Ray Locke serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat the distribution and consumption of child sexual abuse material, with law enforcement agencies and task forces actively working to address such heinous crimes in the community.