South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Julian Samuel Turner, a 31-year-old resident of Moncks Corner, on three charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors. The arrest was carried out by Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators from the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Additional support came from the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Moncks Corner Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations, all members of the state’s ICAC Task Force.
Authorities were led to Turner after receiving a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). According to investigators, Turner possessed files containing artificial intelligence-generated child sexual abuse material.
Turner was taken into custody on February 9, 2026. He faces three counts of possession of a visual depiction or representation of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, activity, or nudity (§16-15-390(C)). Each felony count carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
The Attorney General’s Office will prosecute this case. Attorney General Wilson stated: “All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.”
The term “child sexual abuse material” (CSAM) is used instead of “child pornography” because it more accurately reflects the nature of these crimes. The word “pornography” can imply consent by participants; globally, CSAM is being adopted as the preferred terminology.
The South Carolina Attorney General serves as the state’s main legal advocate and enforcer, overseeing prosecutions and regulatory matters across South Carolina according to its official website. The office supports victims through advocacy and resources and collaborates with law enforcement agencies throughout the state. Alan Wilson has served as head of this office, which also enforces laws regarding securities and consumer protection.
