A Rock Hill man is facing serious felony charges after investigators found child sexual abuse material in his possession. Brandon James Higley, 40, was arrested on April 14 and is now charged with five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in the third degree.
Investigation and Arrest Details
The arrest was announced by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, who stated that the case was handled by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, in collaboration with the York County Sheriff’s Office. According to the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, investigators discovered files believed to be child sexual abuse material during the investigation.
The office also reminded the public that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
How the CyberTipline Led Investigators to Higley
The investigation began after a tip was received via the CyberTipline. This line, managed by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), is a centralized system for reporting suspected online child sexual exploitation. The tip directed investigators to materials that led to Higley’s arrest.
The CyberTipline receives reports from electronic service providers and the public, which are then routed to law enforcement for follow-up investigation. It is a crucial tool in the fight against online child exploitation.
York County’s Role in the Investigation
The York County Sheriff’s Office is part of South Carolina’s statewide ICAC network, which works in collaboration with state and federal agencies on online child-exploitation investigations. The department has been involved in multiple operations in recent years, leading to numerous arrests in connection with online child exploitation.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Higley has been charged under South Carolina’s third-degree sexual exploitation statute, specifically S.C. Code §16-15-410. This statute makes the possession of child sexual abuse material a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison upon conviction.
Convictions under this law also typically result in mandatory sex offender registration and other legal consequences. Legal experts, including Snell Law, note that such charges carry serious long-term impacts on defendants, including restrictions on their future employment, residence, and more.
Next Steps in the Case
The case will be prosecuted by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, which emphasized that, like all defendants, Higley is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The ongoing legal process will determine whether he faces conviction and sentencing.
Local news outlet WCNC reported the arrest on April 28, 2026, highlighting the growing efforts to curb online child exploitation in the region.
How to Report Tips
The Attorney General’s Office is encouraging anyone with information related to this case to come forward. Tips can be submitted directly to the York County Sheriff’s Office or through the CyberTipline. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children provides resources and support for individuals wishing to report suspected online exploitation.
To learn more or report a tip, individuals can visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children or the York County Sheriff’s Office public notices for further guidance.
