North Augusta Faces Child Exploitation Charges and New Funding

News Summary

Recent incidents in North Augusta have revealed serious child exploitation charges against two individuals, Brandon Kyle Brown and Eric Wayne Knowles. In response to these unsettling events, the South Carolina Department of Public Health has announced federal funding of $925,400 to enhance support for survivors of sexual violence through local crisis centers. The community is rallying to address these critical issues and provide necessary resources for those affected.

North Augusta Sees Recent Child Exploitation Charges, Alongside Funding to Combat Sexual Violence

In the charming city of North Augusta, recent events have taken an alarming turn as two men face serious charges in separate child exploitation cases. The local community is grappling with the unsettling news, and to further complicate the landscape, the state is buzzing about new funding aimed at supporting survivors of sexual violence.

Brandon Kyle Brown Faces Serious Charges

The first case involves Brandon Kyle Brown, a 39-year-old resident of North Augusta, who has been charged with first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed these distressing charges on a Wednesday, leading to Brown’s booking in the Edgefield County Detention Center.

Authorities initiated an investigation into Brown after a request from the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office. They received critical support from the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and the Aiken Department of Public Safety. The collaboration among these agencies highlights how serious the situation is and indicates that child safety is a top priority.

Eric Wayne Knowles’ Conviction

In another shocking case, Eric Wayne Knowles, a 57-year-old from Trenton, pled guilty to a slew of alarming charges on May 9. These included second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor and first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. This was a direct result of ongoing investigations into complaints that surfaced back in 2022.

The evidence against Knowles was particularly disturbing. It involved the use of his own phone to create sexually explicit images and recordings, revealing ongoing abuse. As it stands, Knowles is now serving a 22-year prison sentence in the South Carolina Department of Corrections, having been transferred from the Edgefield facility.

Federal Funding to Tackle Sexual Violence

South Carolina Department of Public Health has announced a generous federal grant of $925,400. This funding is designated to support the state’s 15 rape crisis centers, paving the way for crucial services for those affected by sexual violence.

The grant focuses on a dual mission: to assist survivors in accessing the necessary care and to raise awareness of sexual violence, particularly among underserved communities. Given that over 20% of women in South Carolina report experiencing rape at least once, and a staggering 40% have faced some form of sexual violence, it’s clear that this funding is not just timely, but essential.

Empowering Rape Crisis Centers

What does this mean for survivors? The funding will enable rape crisis centers to enhance their offerings, which include services like emergency hotlines, counseling, legal advice, and transportation to medical appointments and shelters. This is a significant step toward ensuring that survivors receive comprehensive support during their most vulnerable times.

Looking Ahead

As North Augusta deals with these troubling cases and the broader implications they have for the community, the availability of resources through the new federal funding comes as a beacon of hope. Community members, advocates, and law enforcement agencies are rallying together to shine a light on these urgent issues that affect so many families.

The recent developments underscore the importance of vigilance and community involvement in tackling such serious matters. While the charges against individuals like Brandon Kyle Brown and Eric Wayne Knowles are disheartening, the renewed focus on support systems through funding initiatives is a much-needed reminder of the resilience and strength within the community.

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Additional Resources

• WJBF: Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in Edgefield County
• Wikipedia: Sexual Exploitation
• WRDW: Edgefield County Man Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Assault
• Google Search: Sexual Assault Resources
• The Wartburg Watch: Church Allowed Convicted Pedophile Freedom
• Google Scholar: Sexual Violence Awareness
• SC Daily Gazette: Rape Crisis Centers Get Federal Boost
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Rape Crisis Center