North Augusta Man Arrested on Sexual Exploitation Charges
A North Augusta man has been arrested and charged with sexual exploitation of a minor following a cyber tip. Casey Royce Watts, 30, was taken into custody on July 6 by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. The charges against Watts stem from five counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
The arrest was made by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigators, in collaboration with the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and assistance from various law enforcement agencies. This joint effort involved investigators from the Attorney General’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Secret Service, Aiken Department of Public Safety, and Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began on April 3 when the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office received a tip from the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office regarding child sexual abuse materials. Investigators were able to trace the materials to Watts after receiving a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. It was discovered that Watts had possession of files containing child sexual abuse material.
If convicted, Watts could face up to 10 years in prison for each count. The case will be prosecuted by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office.
The arrest and subsequent charges emphasize the severity of child exploitation offenses and the commitment of law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of children. The collaboration between different organizations involved in this investigation highlights the collective effort to combat such heinous crimes.
Child sexual exploitation is a grave issue that requires constant vigilance and proactive measures. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children plays a crucial role in detecting and reporting instances of child abuse online. Their cyber tips serve as valuable leads for law enforcement agencies, leading to the apprehension of individuals involved in these crimes.
The swift response and diligent investigation conducted by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office showcase the dedication of these agencies to protect vulnerable children from harm. In addition, the collaboration with the Attorney General’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Secret Service, Aiken Department of Public Safety, and Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office demonstrates a united front in the fight against child exploitation.
It is important to remember that child sexual exploitation is a crime that can have lasting and devastating effects on its victims. The legal consequences for individuals involved in such offenses serve as a deterrent and aim to prevent further harm to children.
The case against Casey Royce Watts serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness, reporting, and collaboration in tackling child exploitation. By staying vigilant and working together, we can help protect our children and bring those responsible for these heinous crimes to justice.
The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office will continue to prosecute cases involving child sexual exploitation, emphasizing the commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our community’s most vulnerable members.
