BEAUFORT, SC (Dec. 12, 2025) – A 37-year-old Port Royal man has been convicted of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl.
Mark William Wurm of Cedarwood Street pleaded guilty Wednesday to incest and second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor between the ages of 11 and 14 at the Beaufort County Courthouse. Wurm was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
“This defendant preyed upon the most vulnerable,” said Megan Estenson of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. “The young girl is to be commended for standing up to her abuser. Shining light on such insidious acts and the perpetrators who commit them is the best way to end the stigma for victims and encourage their healing.”
The girl disclosed the abuse to a cousin and aunt, who alerted the girl’s mother. Law enforcement was notified quickly afterward. The girl said the abuse occurred between November 2023 and August 2024. When confronted by the girl’s mother, Wurm admitted to the accusations. He also confessed to Port Royal police investigators.
In addition to serving his prison sentence, Wurm must register as a sex offender.
Circuit Court Judge Robert Bonds handed down the sentence.
Estenson primarily prosecutes in Beaufort County. She has been with the Solicitor’s Office since 2024.
If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual assault, help is available by visiting the https://scsolicitor14.org/victim-services-center/ or calling (843) 790-6220.
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