SC man faces statutory rape charges in Columbus County

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A South Carolina man has been arrested following a reopened child sexual abuse investigation that led to multiple victims coming forward, according to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.

Jeromy Lee Blanton, 44, of Loris, South Carolina, was arrested June 10 at a business in Shallotte and transported to the Columbus County Detention Center, where he was served with outstanding warrants.

According to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division’s Special Victims Unit, the investigation stems from an incident originally reported in 2022. Authorities said the case was reviewed and reopened after new information was brought forward.

During the renewed investigation, additional victims came forward.

The sheriff’s office said detectives reviewed previously collected evidence, obtained additional records, conducted interviews and coordinated follow-up investigative steps involving the victims.

Blanton is charged with seven counts of statutory rape of a child age 15 or younger.

In addition to those charges, the sheriff’s office said Blanton faces  eight counts of crime against nature, nine counts of statutory sexual offense with a child by an adult,  and 14 counts of statutory sexual offense with a person age 15 or younger.

Blanton is currently being held without bond.