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Aiken attorney William Daniel ‘Danny’ Mayes is in serious legal trouble after being charged with voyeurism and sexual exploitation of minors. Arrested multiple times, he faces alarming allegations regarding hidden camera footage involving victims of various ages. The allegations have prompted discussions about safety and privacy in rental accommodations. Mayes has had his law license suspended and faces a substantial bond, while insurance entities dispute liability linked to his actions.

Aiken’s Legal Eagle in Hot Water Over Voyeurism Charges

In a shocking turn of events, Aiken attorney William Daniel “Danny” Mayes has found himself in a legal quagmire that many are struggling to comprehend. The once-respected lawyer is currently facing serious criminal charges in both Aiken and Charleston counties, which include allegations of voyeurism and the sexual exploitation of minors. This situation has not only stirred up controversy but has also raised numerous questions about safety and privacy in rental accommodations.

A Timeline of Trouble

Mayes was first arrested on October 30, 2024, where he faced five counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of first-degree voyeurism in Aiken County. This igniting point rapidly escalated when he was again arrested in Charleston County just a couple of months later in December, facing an additional array of charges including 14 counts of voyeurism and one further count of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Legal Consequences and License Suspension

The legal repercussions have been swift and severe. After his first arrest, the South Carolina Supreme Court made the decision to suspend Mayes’ law license on November 1, 2024, which indicates the gravity of the situation and how seriously the judicial system is taking these allegations. As of mid-January 2025, a magistrate set his bond at a staggering $260,000 following his January arrest in Charleston, a clear indication that the courts view him as a significant flight risk.

Insurance Companies and Lawsuits

Adding another twist to this troubling saga, the Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company filed a complaint on April 4, 2025. The insurance company claims that it should not be liable for Mayes’s alleged criminal conduct at a rental property in Folly Beach. This legal battle centers around a lawsuit filed against Mayes and his wife, Shannon, alleging that a woman was recorded without her consent while staying in their Folly Beach condo on July 9, 2021.

Allegations of Hidden Cameras

The recordings in question are reportedly quite disturbing. They allegedly include footage of the woman undressing, and there are even claims that Mayes observed her engaged in sexual acts. While Mayes denies one of the allegations concerning the recordings, he has opted to exercise his Fifth Amendment right regarding another serious allegation. Meanwhile, Shannon Mayes asserts that she had no knowledge of these alleged recordings.

Behind the Legal Front

In a complex twist surrounding insurance and liability, Universal Property contends that it is not responsible for coverage linked to the lawsuit because the rental property was allegedly not covered by their policy. Their argument includes a focus on the policy covering “accidents” rather than intentional acts of injury, further complicating matters for Mayes and his defense.

Victims and Investigations

The ramifications of Mayes’s alleged actions are staggering, with reports indicating that his recordings involved both adults and minors, including a particularly alarming case involving a vulnerable 10-year-old child. Investigators were tipped off by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, leading to the discovery of videos stored on Mayes’s Dropbox account, which included these troubling hidden camera footages.

Media Attention and Comparisons

The incident has caught considerable media attention, drawing parallels to another case involving hidden cameras operated by a different individual in Aiken, which had significant legal outcomes. The serious nature of the accusations has sparked public discussions about privacy, consent, and safety in vacation rentals, raising pressing questions about how such incidents can be prevented in the future.

The Future of Mayes

As of now, no attorney publicly representing Danny Mayes in the civil lawsuit has been identified, leaving the door open for speculation regarding his next steps. The legal spotlight continues to shine brightly on him as the community watches this situation unfold. Only time will tell how this complicated case resolves itself, but one thing is for certain—the implications are far-reaching, and the quest for justice is just beginning.

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