Erik Ryan Middlebrook, a 25-year-old man from Leesville, pled guilty by videoconferencing in Lexington County this morning to one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor – Second Degree for the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old minor. Middlebrook was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Bentley D. Price to ten (10) years in prison. Under South Carolina law, this charge is classified as a most serious and "no parole" offense. As a result of this plea, Middlebrook must register as a sex offender. 

This case was prosecuted by Eleventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Ashley Wellman and investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff's Department. 

On September 6, 2019, a witness caught Middlebrook sexually abusing a minor and reported it to law enforcement. When deputies with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department responded to the residence in the Leesville area of Lexington County, Middlebrook made admissions to law enforcement.

During sentencing today, the victim's mother addressed the Court expressing how this has impacted her child. Middlebrook will be transported to the South Carolina Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.