Charlotte/ Crime & Emergencies
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Published on October 10, 2024
Fort Mill Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Faces Up to 10 Years in Prison if ConvictedSource: Google Street View

A Fort Mill man faces felony charges after his arrest on October 9 for alleged involvement in child sexual abuse material. Ian Kelly Sanders, 33, has been charged with one count of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, an offense that could place him in prison for up to 10 years if convicted. According to WSOCTV, the arrest was the result of a CyberTipline report, subsequently leading investigators to Sanders.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Youth initially forwarded a tip that set the arrest into motion. An investigation by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office confirmed that Sanders was allegedly found to have been distributing files consistent with child sexual abuse material. This development was then reported by WBTV.

In a separate but disturbingly similar case, an 18-year-old Fort Mill resident was also arrested and charged with sexual exploitation of a minor. The young adult is currently facing three counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. WCCB Charlotte reported that the charges came after investigators discovered devices containing obscene material depicting victims believed to be minors at the suspect's residence.

Sanders was arrested last Wednesday and is waiting for the next steps in court. The attorney general's office emphasized that the charges are serious, and those involved could face significant prison time if convicted.