Aiken Attorney Arrested for Disturbing Crimes Involving Hidden Cameras
In the quiet town of Aiken, South Carolina, the news has taken a startling turn as local attorney William Daniel Mayes, 54, was arrested this week on serious charges that have sent shockwaves through the community. Mayes is facing a total of seven felony charges related to voyeurism and the exploitation of minors, bringing a shocking spotlight on his once-respected career in law.
The Investigation Begins
The unsettling revelations began when authorities received a crucial tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) through their CyberTipline. This led investigators to Mayes, prompting a search of his five-bedroom home located on Town Creek Road.
What they uncovered during this search was deeply troubling. Reports indicate that investigators found evidence of child pornography stored in Mayes’ personal Dropbox account. It became clear that videos were recorded inside his home, specifically in one of the bedrooms, raising many questions about how long these activities had been taking place.
The Disturbing Details
According to an arrest warrant, Mayes allegedly confessed to setting up a camera on a nightstand in his bedroom. This setup was used to record multiple videos last September. Some unsettling clips included a victim exiting a bathroom and another depicting a victim in a state of undress. Disturbingly, investigators found at least five videos showing a young girl aged 8 to 10 fully naked, along with additional footage of a girl aged 12 to 14. It also included a video of a male engaging in a sexual act with a girl believed to be between 12 and 14 years of age.
The Legal Consequences
As a result of these appalling findings, Mayes is facing official charges comprising two counts of voyeurism and five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. These are felonies, each carrying a hefty penalty of up to 10 years in prison, alongside the misdemeanor voyeurism charges that could add another three years for first offenses. The case is set to be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office, ensuring that the seriousness of these allegations will not go overlooked.
About William Mayes
Mayes is not just any individual; he has been a practicing attorney since 1995, specializing in areas like social security disability, personal injury, civil rights, and more. He graduated from the University of South Carolina Law School and was associated with the firm Smith, Massey, Brodie, Guynn & Mayes. However, following these grave accusations, his name has mysteriously disappeared from the firm’s web presence, and attempts to obtain comments from his former colleagues have been met with silence.
Community Impact and Response
The news of Mayes’ arrest has left many in the Aiken community feeling shocked and confused. An established figure in the legal world has now become a focal point of a disturbing criminal case, prompting residents to reflect on the safety and trust they place in professionals within their community. The significance of these allegations radiates beyond just legal concerns, sparking discussions about the protection of vulnerable individuals and the responsibilities of adults in safeguarding minors.
The Road Ahead
As Mayes has been released on bond, many in Aiken are left wondering about the next steps in this high-profile case. The investigations led by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, along with various agencies including Homeland Security Investigations, signal that this case will be diligently pursued. The upcoming legal proceedings will determine Mayes’ fate and possibly serve as a vital reminder of the need for vigilance against such shocking, yet preventable, acts.
As the story continues to unfold, residents are urged to stay informed and support efforts aimed at protecting the children in their community. It’s clear that we all play a role in ensuring a safe environment for everyone, particularly the most vulnerable.
