James C. Hester, Sr., age 61, pled guilty today in the County of Lexington to Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor - Third Degree for sexually abusing a child under the age of 11. Circuit Court Judge Walton J. McLeod, IV sentenced Hester to 15 years in prison. This charge is classified as a violent offense. Hester is required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to electronic monitoring upon his release from prison.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Solicitor Rhonda Patterson.

The child reported the abuse occurred over the course of a year, beginning in the summer of 2017 at the age of 9. The victim was able to give detailed information regarding the assault during an interview with Dickerson Children's Advocacy Center.

This case was investigated by Investigator Michael Hart with the Lexington County Sheriff's Department who spoke at the hearing and stated “these types of cases are some of the most heinous crimes” that law enforcement handles.

Hester had a previous conviction for Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature from 2011 that was originally charged as Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor - First Degree.

Hester is being transported to the S.C. Department of Corrections to begin immediate service of his prison sentence.