A Spartanburg man was arrested Tuesday on a charge of criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the third degree, following weeks of investigation that began with a single report of inappropriate conduct toward a child. Police identified him as Tyler Dean West and say the case remains active as investigators continue gathering information.
The Spartanburg Police Department said the investigation opened on Sept. 15 after officers received a report about inappropriate conduct toward a minor child, according to FOX Carolina News. From there, investigators say they received disclosures describing acts of criminal sexual conduct allegedly committed by West at his residence.
Police have not released additional details about how the initial report reached them or who made it. The department has, however, confirmed that the case is still being actively pursued, with officers continuing to seek information from anyone who may know more.
What the Charge Alleges
Under South Carolina law, a person can be charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the third degree when the accused is over 14 years old and wilfully and lewdly commits or attempts to commit a lewd or lascivious act upon or with the body of a child under 16, according to the South Carolina Code of Laws. The statutory language supplied does not cover every provision of the charge, and further details of the case against West, including his age, address, and custody status, have not been made public.
Spartanburg Police are asking anyone with information related to the case to call the department at (864) 596-2065, or to submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of Spartanburg at 1-888-CRIME-SC. Officials have not said whether they expect additional charges as the investigation continues.
A Separate Spartanburg Case Highlights Pattern of Local Sex Crime Charges
A Separate 2021 Spartanburg Case A separate case reported in 2021 involved 31-year-old Ronny Shawnqual Leggett, who was charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct, first-degree assault and battery, and kidnapping, according to WSPA. Arrest warrants in that case allege Leggett sexually battered the victim, strangled her with his hands, and kidnapped her, stemming from an assault reported near Priscilla Rumley Park on Sept. 20. The cases are unrelated, and West's investigation remains active.
No further information about West's arrest, including booking details or a scheduled court appearance, has been released. Police continue to describe the investigation into his case as ongoing.
