Aiken Attorney Faces Indefinite Suspension Amid Child Exploitation Charges

Aiken Attorney Indefinitely Suspended Following Serious Charges

In a shocking turn of events, the small city of Aiken has found itself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. An attorney, William Daniel “Danny” Mayes, has been suspended indefinitely after his arrest on serious allegations concerning child sexual abuse material. This news has left many residents stunned and has raised countless questions about safety and trust within the community.

Details of the Case

On October 30th, Mayes, aged 54, was taken into custody by the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office. He faces multiple charges, including five counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of first-degree voyeurism. This incident followed an intensive investigation initiated by the office of South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, who forwarded a cyber tipline report back in April 2024, regarding potential troubling content linked to Mayes.

A search warrant was executed on Mayes’s Dropbox account, where law enforcement officials discovered alarming evidence. Among the findings were four disturbing videos. The nature of these recordings was deeply unsettling; they included footage of underage girls engaging in various activities that have been deemed inappropriate.

A Shocking Discovery

According to authorities, one video depicted a girl estimated to be between 12 and 14 years old dressing, while another showed a younger girl, believed to be between eight and ten, fully nude. Further recordings included another teenager without a shirt and another clip showing a disturbing scene involving a man and a teenage girl.

As the investigation progressed, deputies executed a search warrant at Mayes’s residence on October 29th. Inside, they uncovered an external hard drive containing similar troubling content. Evidence suggests that Mayes had set up a camera to record these videos, as he allegedly admitted to possessing the incriminating files.

Suspension and Community Response

In light of the charges, the South Carolina Supreme Court issued an order on November 1st to suspend Mayes indefinitely from practicing law. Prior to his arrest, Mayes was affiliated with the law firm Smith Massey Brodie Guynn and Mayes, which specializes in areas like real estate, family, and tax law. As a precaution, the firm removed all references to Mayes from its website shortly after the news broke.

The community has been left reeling from the news. Local residents expressed their shock and disbelief, with many voicing their concerns about the safety of children in the area. The allegations have raised questions about how such disturbing activities could occur unnoticed.

A Call for Awareness

As investigations continue and more details emerge, community leaders are emphasizing the importance of vigilance. They encourage all residents to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activities. Awareness and intervention could be key in preventing abuse and protecting those who are most vulnerable.

This case is undoubtedly a sobering reminder of the need for ongoing conversations around the safety and well-being of children in our communities. As we follow this unfolding story, our thoughts remain with the victims and their families affected by these events.

The Aiken community, known for its charm and friendly faces, is grappling with the weight of these serious allegations. As legal proceedings begin, many await justice while hoping for healing and strength in these challenging times.