WALTERBORO, SC (Feb. 27, 2025) – A 22-year-old Walterboro man who sexually assaulted a young girl has been convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison following a two-day jury trial at the Colleton County Courthouse.
James Austin Edward Townsend Jr., of Evergreen Lane, was convicted Wednesday of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor. He was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 6-year-old neighbor in March 2023 during a game of hide and seek.
“This young girl was very brave to quickly come forward,” said Julie Kate Keeney of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, who prosecuted the case.
The then 6-year-old girl first disclosed her “secret” that Townsend “touched where I go to the bathroom” to an older sister, who in turn, told their mother who then called law enforcement. The girl also provided a forensic interview in which she described the abuse occurring behind a building near the Townsend’s property.
“Sexual abuse thrives in secrecy,” said Jennifer Talley, RN, BSN, SANE-A of the 14th Circuit Victims Services Center, who treats victims of sexual assault. “This can be sometimes confusing for children because kids oftentimes equate secrets with surprises like a birthday party or gift. As parents, it’s important to differentiate between those two things in age-appropriate conversations with our children.”
Talley recommends parents keep and maintain open communication with their children. Additional resources are available by visiting the Child Abuse Prevention Association of Beaufort’s website at https://capabeaufort.org/10-tips-to-help-talk-about-safe-unsafe-confusing-touches/. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) also offers safety support for parents at https://rainn.org/safety-parents.
Circuit Court Judge Marvin H. Dukes III handed down Thursday’s sentence.
