South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has announced that two individuals have received lengthy prison sentences for the sexual abuse of a three-year-old child. The sentencing took place in Greenville County, where Judge Patrick Fant III handed down a 43-year sentence to Jacob Lance for Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor, 1st Degree. This sentence will begin after Lance completes his current sentence, which is set to end in June 2042. As a result, his new sentence will extend until 2085.
Abbygale El-Dier was sentenced to 40 years for Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor, 1st Degree. She also received two consecutive five-year sentences for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 1st Degree, resulting in a total sentence of 50 years.
According to the statement from the Attorney General’s office: “El-Dier, a citizen of Greenville County, and Jacob Lance, a South Carolina Department of Corrections inmate, began a romantic relationship with each other, enabled by the use of illegal contraband cell phones. The defendants then, through the use of these contraband cell phones, sexually assaulted the then 3-year-old minor victim, photographing, live streaming, and video recording the acts. These acts were physically performed by El-Dier and allegedly done at the contemporaneous direction and encouragement of Lance, and the materials were shared with him in real time via transmitted pictures, video, and live streaming.”
The State Grand Jury indicted both individuals as part of “Operation Clean Sweep,” an investigation related to Lee Correctional Institution that involves allegations concerning sexual abuse of minors and production of child sexual abuse material.
As South Carolina’s chief prosecutor and legal counsel according to its official website, the Attorney General’s office oversees criminal matters across the state and collaborates with law enforcement on prosecutions. The office also provides support services for crime victims and works to enhance public safety throughout South Carolina.