Aiken Man Arrested on Multiple Charges at Folly Beach

News Summary

William Daniel Mayes, a 54-year-old man from Aiken, has been arrested on serious charges including 14 counts of first-degree voyeurism and first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. The discovery stemmed from a tip-off leading to investigations into hidden camera activities at his rental property on Folly Beach. Mayes has a troubling history of similar charges, raising community concerns about safety and vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. After his latest arrest, he was briefly released on a significant bond pending further legal proceedings.

Aiken Man Arrested on Multiple Charges at Folly Beach

In a shocking turn of events, Aiken, South Carolina has found itself at the center of a troubling case involving a local resident. William Daniel Mayes, a 54-year-old man, was taken into custody on December 6, 2024, facing an alarming total of 14 counts of first-degree voyeurism along with one count of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Discovery Through Investigation

The drama unfolded when the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office received a tip-off from the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office concerning a voyeurism incident. This wasn’t a case of casual snooping; instead, it revealed dark practices involving a hidden camera located at a rental property owned by Mayes on the picturesque Folly Beach. What initially seemed like another case took a serious twist during a search operation executed in November 2024, aimed at uncovering crimes related to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) program.

Prior Detention and Charges

It’s noteworthy that Mayes had already been in the clutches of the law prior to this latest arrest. He was held at the Aiken County Detention Center before being transferred to the Al Cannon Detention Center in Charleston County for processing concerning the new charges. Just weeks earlier, on October 29, 2024, Mayes had been arrested on a series of charges—seven in total—related to the sexual exploitation of minors. It all began when investigators received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, leading to the previous investigation.

A Troubling Pattern

The earlier accusations against Mayes included five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor (third degree) and two counts of voyeurism. Allegations claim that he recorded individuals without their consent and even possessed materials depicting child sexual abuse. The combination of these charges paints a concerning picture of a pattern of predatory behavior that spans different locations, targeting some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

Legal Proceedings and Release

After his latest arrest, Mayes appeared for a hearing on December 7, 2024, where a bond was set at a hefty $260,000. Demonstrating the complexity of the situation, he was able to post bail and was released from jail shortly thereafter. This decision has sparked numerous questions within the community about safety and legal accountability, as residents express their concern over the implications of such serious charges being allowed to result in bail.

Community Reactions

In conversations across Aiken and even as far as Folly Beach, many are troubled by the allegations against Mayes. Community members have been expressing their worries about potential victims and the larger implications of watching for signs of exploitative behavior within their neighborhoods. The ongoing investigations and the serious nature of the allegations serve as a sobering reminder of the vigilance needed to ensure safety in families and communities alike.

Looking Ahead

As this case continues to unfold, it is crucial for the community to stay informed and for law enforcement to continue their diligent work. The serious nature of voyeurism and exploitation cannot be taken lightly, and the severity of the charges leveled against Mayes underscores a broader conversation about safety and the protection of minors in our society.

As new developments emerge, residents are urged to remain watchful and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The safety of our communities and the wellbeing of our children remain priorities that must not be overlooked.