A Newberry, South Carolina man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a 5-year-old child on multiple occasions earlier this year. Jason Corey Sexton admitted to the abuse after the child's mother confronted him and reported what she discovered to deputies.
Sexton pleaded guilty to two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, according to WYFF News 4. He admitted to sexually abusing the child on at least four occasions between March and May of this year, telling investigators about the repeated abuse after the case came to light.
The station reports the child's mother contacted deputies on May 28 after confronting Sexton about the abuse. During court proceedings, portions of Sexton's confession were played aloud, the outlet reported.
Prosecutor Calls Child Safety Office's Top Priority
8th Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo addressed the case following the sentencing, saying protecting children and communities from predators is his office's number one priority. Stumbo also said every child deserves to be safe and protected from abuse, per the same account.
Stumbo expressed hope that the young survivor will gain some measure of closure and go on to do great things in her life, the station's report noted.
What South Carolina Law Says About the Charge
Under state law, third-degree criminal sexual conduct is classified as a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison at the discretion of the court, according to the South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 16, Chapter 3.
