HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) — A Horry County man will spend the next 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to a disturbing crime involving a minor.
Stephen Wayne, 41, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, according to 15th Circuit Senior Assistant Solicitor Leigh Waller. The charge stems from the sexual assault of a child under the age of 16.
Wayne received the maximum sentence of 15 years behind bars. The solicitor’s office credited the victim’s emotional and courageous statement in court as a pivotal factor in securing the full penalty.
“Thank you to the Conway Police Department for their hard work in investigating this case, attending the guilty plea hearing, and helping bring this defendant to justice,” Waller said. “We are grateful to our committed law enforcement officers for their assistance in prosecuting those who seek to harm minors in our community.”
Upon release, Wayne will be required to register as a sex offender for life and wear an electronic ankle monitor indefinitely.
He is currently being held at J. Reuben Long Detention Center.
Stay tuned to WMBF News for continuing updates on this case and others affecting our community.
