A pageant official for Miss South Carolina arrested for sex crime
A recent report in Charleston, SC states that a pageant official for Miss South Carolina has been arrested for the sexual assault of a nine year old girl. According to a police report in Easley, Joseph "joey" Pettigrew Sanders IV allegedly sexually assaulted the child at a Comfort inn in 2005.
When charged with a sex crime, including sexual assault, rape or child pornography, it is important to review all the evidence and any witness statements. These cases often go to trial, so it is important to throughly prepare the case for court.
South Carolina is one of 7 states that does not allow child hearsay testimony. Many states have an exception for the hearsay rule for minors based on the notion that children are less likely to lie than adults. Even though South Carolina does not provide for this exception, legislation was recently passed relaxing the ban to child hearsay and may be completely removed by 2009.
Sawyer's attorney has stated that his client will be exonerated of the charges, so this case is most likely headed for court. His defense attorney will review the evidence to determine what parts are circumstantial and whether the solicitor's office has any solid evidence.
Our criminal defense attorneys have handled a variety of sex crimes in South Carolina, Florida and Georgia. Our firm also handles cases in Horry County, including Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Murrels Inlet, Garden City, and North Myrtle Beach, as well as Georgetown County and Charleston County.
