Aiken Community Shocked by Disturbing Child Exploitation Arrests

News Summary

The town of Aiken, SC, is reeling from the recent arrests of two local men on serious charges related to child exploitation and abuse. Terry Alen Haggerty, 34, is under investigation for lewd acts with minors, while 54-year-old William Daniel Mayes faces multiple charges, including voyeurism and sexual exploitation of minors. These alarming cases have prompted a wide-ranging investigation involving several law enforcement agencies, highlighting the importance of community vigilance in protecting its children.

Aiken Community Shocked by Arrests in Disturbing Child Exploitation Cases

The calm and quiet town of Aiken, South Carolina, has been rocked by allegations of serious crimes against minors. Authorities have announced the arrests of two men, Terry Alen Haggerty and William Daniel Mayes, both facing multiple charges related to the exploitation and abuse of children in their community.

Terry Alen Haggerty: Facing Grave Allegations

The first arrest was that of 34-year-old Terry Alen Haggerty, who is now under investigation for engaging in lewd acts with a child between July 2024 and January 2025. The disturbing details only came to light after a victim bravely reported the assaults to a trusted adult at school in mid-January 2025. The courage displayed by the victim is commendable and highlights the importance of speaking out against such unspeakable acts.

Though specific charges have not been disclosed, Haggerty’s actions imply serious allegations regarding sexual exploitation. The community is grappling with the shocking news, wondering how someone could betray the trust of a child in such a horrific manner.

William Daniel Mayes: A Series of Sinister Charges

Next up is 54-year-old William Daniel Mayes, whose legal troubles escalated significantly after his initial arrest in Aiken County on October 29. Mayes faces an astonishing seven charges associated with the sexual exploitation of minors. Among these charges are five counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor—a felony that could lead to up to 10 years behind bars for each count—and two counts of voyeurism, which could also carry significant penalties.

Mayes’s case took an even more alarming turn after it was revealed that he recorded a person without their consent and possessed disturbing files of child sexual abuse material. This invasive behavior raises serious concerns about the safety of the entire community.

Broader Investigations: Collaborative Efforts for Justice

The investigations into these cases have been comprehensive, involving several law enforcement agencies including the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, and even the federal Department of Homeland Security. This wide-reaching collaboration underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the collective commitment to ensuring that justice is served.

A Shocking Discovery at Folly Beach

Mayes’s legal woes did not stop with his initial arrest. He was apprehended again in Charleston County on December 6, on charges that included 14 counts of voyeurism and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor. Disturbingly, these incidents involved hidden cameras set up at a rental property the man owned at Folly Beach. The implications of such invasive behavior have left many in the community feeling eerie and unsafe.

Legal Repercussions and Courts Ahead

Due to the severity of his charges, Mayes has already faced professional consequences, with the Supreme Court of South Carolina suspending his license to practice law as of November 1, 2024. With a hefty bond of $260,000 set for the Charleston County charges—amount he posted just a day later—Mayes remains under close scrutiny as the legal proceedings unfold. Currently, there are no scheduled court dates, which leaves many anxiously awaiting the next steps.

The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office will oversee the prosecution of both Haggerty and Mayes, ensuring that both cases receive the attention and seriousness they rightfully deserve. As the community seeks to heal from these alarming events, many are reflecting on the importance of vigilance and support for potential victims.

As more information comes to light, the town of Aiken continues to band together, hoping to restore safety and trust while standing firmly against the exploitation of their most vulnerable members.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Aiken County Launches Initiative to Combat Human Trafficking and Support Victims

Additional Resources

• WRDW: Aiken Attorney Arrested
• Post and Courier: Aiken Man Accused of Possessing Child Abuse Material
• WRDW: Aiken Attorney Faces Sexual Abuse Charges
• Wikipedia: Sexual Abuse
• WJBF: Aiken Man Charged with Child Sexual Assault
• Google Search: Aiken Child Sexual Abuse